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THE AIR-SPY 



A War Play in Three Acts 



By 
MANSFIELD SCOTT 



The professional stage rights in this play are reserved by the 
?uthor, and all persons wishing to produce it publicly and for 
prom should apply for permission to the author in care of the 
publishers. For amateur performances given before the general 
public under advertisement and for profit a royalty of $10.00 for 
the first and $5.00 each for succeeding performances is required. 
This is payable to the publishers at any time before the perform- 
ance. Schools may produce it without payment of any royalty. 



BOSTON 
WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 

1918 



W 5 



v-- 

;0 



The Air-Spy 



CHARACTERS 



Dr. Henry Treadwell. 
Victor Lawrence. 
Harold Felton. 
Carleton Everton. 
Karl Schoneman. 
Franz Muller. 
Arthur Merrill. 



Henry Gootner. 
Francis Drury. 
Corporal Thayer. 
Private Freeman. 
Ruth Treadwell. 
Muriel Lawrence. 
Mrs. Treadwell. 



Inspector Malcome Steele. Margaret Linden. 

'The Time. — America's second summer in the war. 
The Place. — A deserted mansion on a small island near n^ast- 
port, Maine. 

SYNOPSIS 

Act I. The afternoon of June ioth. 
Act II. The evening of September 21st. 

Act III. Scene i. The afternoon of the next day. About 1:30. 
Scene 2. An hour later. 




Copyright, 1918, by j. Mansfield Scott 
As author and proprietor 



All . ighis riss. ved 

©CI.D 50041 

JUL 25 1918 



CHARACTERISTICS 

Du. Henry Treadwell and his friend Victor Lawrence are 
both tall, and of distinguished appearance. Both are of middle 
age. The doctor is of rather slight build. His manner upon all 
occasions is one of great reserve and dignity. His friend Lawrence 
also possesses this dignity of bearing, and mingles with it a cer- 
tain careful choice of words and clearness of enunciation not un- 
like that of an instructor in English. Each is smooth-shaven, and 
each has hair that has begun to turn gray. Mrs. Treadwell is 
of about the age of her husband. 

Harold Felton is a young man of about twenty, in the uni- 
form of a private. His friend Carleton EvERTONis a little older. 
He is a young Englishman, very tall and slight, with a short black 
moustache. He is dressed in white flannels and tennis shoes. 
• Merrill is about the age of Felton, and lie also is in the uni- 
form of a private. He has a naturally boisterous manner. 

Schoneman is a strong, powerful man, with an air of quick 
decision and natural strength of leadership. He never smiles, and 
when he laughs it is not a mirthful laugh. Muller is smaller, but 
is an active man, with an air of alertness. Both are dressed as 
carpenters. 

Steele is tall and powerfully built. One can make no accurate 
estimate as to his age. At ordinary times, his deliberate actions 
and his rather slow speech would seem to indicate a man of per- 
haps forty ; while at times of excitement and danger, the sharp, 
ringing tones of his voice, and his quick, decisive actions would 
seem to show that he could not have passed thirty. 

Francis Drury is small in stature, of a rather delicate appear- 
ance. His movements are graceful. His voice is a trifle soft and 
high. 

Ruth Treadwell is a girl of medium height, about twenty years 
of age. Muriel Lawrence is a little older, and somewhat taller. 
She has dark complexion. 

Margaret Linden is perhaps twenty-five years of age. She 
possesses a certain reserve of manner which often makes her seem 
older. She is tall and rather slight, with light complexion. 



AUTHOR'S NOTE 

The central idea of this play was originally embodied in a piece 
entitled " Number 313," written by the author in collaboration 
with Paul P. Coggins for the Senior Class of the Newton (Mass.) 
High School. This play was originally presented by members of 
this class on March 24, 191 7, under the direction of Mr. Charles 
S. Thomas, with the following cast of characters. 

Heir Karl Hochstein ------ John Clapp 

Franz Reichler - - - - - Chester Whelden 

Otto Hernschoff - - - * - - - - James Kilton 

Johann Muller ------- Harold Cutter 

Ashley Robinson ------- Paul Nash 

Nora - - -.- - - - - - Leslie Perkins 

Mr. Hamilton Chester ----- William Fawcett* 

Mrs. Chester ------- Doris Lovell 

Grace Chester ------- Mary Harrington 

Arthur Hall Harold Doherty 

Mr. Lawrence Huntington - Richard Cole 

Phyllis Huntington ----- Marjory Howland 

Edith Carlton ------- Elizabeth Clapp 

Frank Harwood ------ Russell Simpson 

Edward Sawyer ----- Frederick Ranlett, Jr. 

Amos Townsend - Warren Brimblecom 

Inspector Malcome Steele - - The Author 

The original verson remains the property of the Class to which 
it is hereby dedicated with the grateful acknowledgments of the 
authors of the painstaking service of its members in the original 
performance and of their unanimous courtesy in authorizing this 
later version. 



The Air-Spy 



ACT I 

SCENE. — The side room in the old house, Jane ioth. 
The room is plain and old, and the floor is covered with 
all kinds of litter. The place is bare of all furniture 
except a rough wooden table, with two chairs beside 
it, near c. The table J\as no covering. A door at r. 
leads to the hallway. A door at l. leads to another 
room. At the back of the room, near r., a door leads 
to the veranda outside. Near l. at the back of the 
room, another door is visible. This door is apparently 
much newer than the rest of the room. It has been 
painted a dark brown, and has a large metallic locking 
arrangement, like the door of a safe. Beside the door 
at the back leading to the veranda is a window which 
overlooks a portion of the veranda. Several old relics 
are hanging on the walls. Among them are an old 
portrait, a deer's head, an antique rifle, and a bow and 
quiver of very strange appearance. Between the 
veranda door and the door with the combination-lock, 
there is a fireplace, with a mantelpiece above it. 

Enter Ruth Treadwell and Muriel Lawrence from r. 
They are followed by Dr. Henry Treadwell, Mrs. 
Treadwell, Victor Lawrence, Harold Felton, 
and Carleton Everton. 

Ruth. Why, here we are, back where we started ! 

Muriel. What a queer old place it is ! 

Ruth. But it's interesting, Muriel! Oh, see there! 
(She points to the deer head on the wall.) And look at 
the old gun ! 

(She goes to the old rifle and examines it.) 

5 



6 THE AIR-SPY 

Mrs. Treadwell. Ruth, dear, you'd better not toucH 
those rusty old things to-day. 

Treadwell. I'll have them cleaned, as soon as we 
are settled here. Don't worry, Ruth; there'll be whole 
months for you to glory in those relics. 

Muriel. And think of the fun you'll have with the 
ones in that room up-stairs ! I almost envy you ! 

Mrs. Tread. Envy us, Muriel ! Cooped up on this 
place for three months ? And what a house to try to 
live in ! 

Ruth. But I wouldn't give it up for anything in the 
world! And you'd hate to stay here without us, 
wouldn't you, Daddy? 

Lawrence {laughing) . I'll wager you would, Henry! 
Shut off from the world for three months, without a 
living soul to speak to, except your assistants. 

Felton. Robinson Crusoe, and his desert isle, 
wouldn't be in it with you, Dr. Treadwell ! 

Muriel. But of course there'd be the watchman. 

(Ruth is surprised by the remark.) 

Tread. Oh, yes. The watchman, and the soldiers. 

Law. (surprised). The soldiers! So you're going to 
have soldiers, too ! 

Tread. Yes, indeed, Victor. Once we have started 
the work here, we'll have a squad of soldiers all the time. 
To patrol the shore, you know. 

(Everton strolls absent-mindedly to the window, and 
stares out.) 

Mrs. Tread. But we don't expect to be entirely alone. 
We're hoping to be able to entertain our friends — our 
very best friends, anyway — once in a while. 

Felton. Well, Carleton, what's on your mind now? 
' Muriel. Yes, Mr. Everton. What is it that you 
have been staring at? 

Everton (turning slowly). Why, I — it's a deucedly 
funny trick my eyes just played upon me. You know, 
I was quite certain I could see a little — er — motor-craft, 
making shore out here. 

Felton. A motor-boat? It couldn't have been! 
Who on earth would come ashore on this deserted place? 



THE AIR-SPY 7 

{He goes to the window.) 

Tread. Whoever it was, he will find it difficult to 
land here a week from now. 

Felton. But, Dr. Treadwell, there are two men on 
the veranda here now. {They hurry to the window.) 

Tread. Oh, the builders ! That, no doubt, accounts 
for the motor-boat. I believe I'll speak to them a min- 
ute. {He opens the door leading to the veranda, and 
calls to the men outside. Enter Karl Schoneman and 
Franz Muller.) This is Mr. Blake, I believe. 

Schoneman. Yes, sir. And my assistant, Mr. 
Thompson. 

Tread. I've noticed some of your work around the 
house already. But, of course, I'm especially interested 
in this construction-shed out here. 

Schon. Yes, sir. I'll open the door for you, now. 
{He leads the way to the brown door with the safety 
lock.) There isn't any combination yet, sir. 

{He opens the door. Treadwell and the others peer 
inside. ) 

Tread. Oh, yes. The place is quite spacious, as I 
ordered. About three hundred and fifty feet long, I 
should judge. {He glances upzvard.) Yes, canvas over- 
head. That seems very satisfactory, Mr. Blake. {He 
steps back inside. Schoneman closes the door.) In 
regard to this combination 

Schon. -The man is coming to-morrow to arrange 
that. I am leaving this afternoon ; I let the workmen go 
yesterday. Is that all, sir? 

Tread. Yes, I think that is all. I am much obliged, 
Mr. Blake. 

Schon. Entirely welcome, sir. 

{Exit to the veranda, with Muller.) 

Ruth. But look, friends. Here is another room in 
here. Do come and explore it. {She leads the way to 
the door at l. Mrs. Treadwell follows with her hus- 
band and Lawrence. They go out. Meanwhile, Fel- 
ton strolls out to the veranda, after the two builders. 
Muriel crosses and examines the old bow on the wall. 



8 THE AIR-SPY 

Everton follows her. Ruth reenters. ) Oh, Muriel, do 

come and see what I've found ! It's Oh ! I never 

noticed that bow ! And see the old quiver, with arrows 
in it ! (She goes to it.) 

Muriel. Isn't it a quaint old thing? 

Ever. A jolly interesting relic, I should say. Do you 
suppose it has any — er — special history ? 

Ruth. Why, I wonder ! I'll certainly try to find out, 
Mr. Everton, and tell you, when I see you again. I 
wonder if I could use it! (She takes the dusty thing 
down from the wall, and tries to bend it.) Why, it's as 
stiff — I don't see how any one could ever use it ! See if 
you can, Mr. Everton! (She holds it out to him.) 

Ever, (drawing back in consternation, with a glance 
downward at his immaculate white flannels). Oh! 
Er — you wouldn't ask me to touch it ! 

Ruth .(laughing convulsively). I'm afraid you 
wouldn't make a very good Indian! (She replaces the 
bow on the wall. ) But do come into this other room, and 
see what I have discovered. (Muriel and Everton 
start to the door with her. ) It's an old, old chess-board, 
with the funniest, dustiest old chessmen ! I'll challenge 
you to a game, Mr. Everton ! 

Ever, (stopping rather abruptly). Oh — er — I — I'm 
terribly sorry, but — er — the doctor has forbidden any 
strenuous excitement ! [Exit Ruth, laughing. 

Muriel (with a laugh). Oh, couldn't you play 
against me? (Everton is flustered at once.) 

Ever. Oh — I — er — why, I'm sure I — er — I'd be 
charmed! Er — simply charmed, Miss Lawrence! 

(He starts to follow her into the room at l. Exit 
Muriel. Felton enters suddenly, from the 
veranda. ) 

Felton (catching sight of Everton leaving). Say, 
Carleton! (Everton turns.) I guess that motor-boat 
of yours was the real thing! There's a chap on his way 
up to the house now. 

Ever. Indeed ! I was certainly hopeful that my eyes 
had not deceived me! You know, I've had a beastly lot 
of trouble with my eyes lately. 



THE AIR-SPY 9 

Felton. Why, that's tough. 

Ever. Yes ! Went shooting in the woods near home, 
about a, month ago, and aimed my gun at my cousin 
Helen. Er — thought she was a deer ! 

{He laughs heartily.) 

Arthur Merrill {entering suddenly from the ve- 
randa). Well, well! 

{He catches sight of Felton. Strides forivard to meet 
him. ) 

Felton. By Jove! Arthur Merrill! {They shake 
hands.) How are you, Art? {He turns to Everton.) 
My friend, Mr. Everton. Mr. Everton, Mr. Merrill. 

Ever, Delighted, Mr. Merrill! 

Mer. Well, Hal ! How's the old batting average ? 

Ever. Oh, I say ! What a unique salutation ! 

Felton {laughing). That's baseball language, Carle- 
ton. It's the same as, " How are you ? " 

Ever. How extraordinary ! Then you are a baseball 
player, Mr. Merrill? 

Mer. {laughing). Please don't flatter me, Mr. Ever- 
ton ! I play at the game, that's all. 

Felton. I guess that's all any of us can say. But, 
Art, how on earth did you get onto this island? 

Mer. Secret, Hal! {He lowers his voice.) I didn't 
do it on earth ; I did it on water ! {He laughs at his own 
joke.) Don't laugh, Hal; you'll hurt your face! 

Ever. Er — what extraordinary expressions ! 

Enter Ruth, Mrs. Tread well, Dr. Treadwell, and 
Victor Lawrence from l. Muriel follows at 
once. 

Ruth {hurrying forward). Why, Arthur Merrill! 
Where did you come from ? 
Tread. Why, how do you do, Arthur ? 

{The others greet him.) 

Ruth. You came to see the big construction-shed, I 
know! 

Mer. You've guessed it. And, say, Dr. Treadwell! 
The airship that fills that shed will be a whopper! 



IO THE AIR-SPY 

Mrs. Tread. But, Ruth, we must start home ! We'll 
lose the tide. 

Ruth. Yes, Mother, I'll come. So sorry, Arthur. 
We have to leave just as you arrive ! But perhaps you 
can get them to station you here for the summer. 

Tread. We'll have to hustle to the boat, friends. 
Sorry, Arthur. 

Mer. Oh, that's perfectly all right, Dr. Treadwell. 
I just landed here, in Freeman's boat. But I — I wonder 
if you'd care if I should take a look around before I 
go back. 

Tread. Why, of course not ! Go right ahead, my 
boy ! Anywhere you like ! 

Mer. Thanks, awfully ! 

Tread. Come, friends. 

(He leads the way out into the hall, at R. The others 
follow. Merrill, left alone, goes to the brown door, 
and peers with curiosity into the conslruction-shcd. 
Closing the door, he crosses to the window, and 
stands there for a moment. The hall door at r. 
opens suddenly. Enter Inspector Malcome Steele. 
Merrill turns quickly, and stares at the newcomer 
in astonishment.) 

Mer. Why — why, I didn't know any one else was 
here. Dr. Treadwell didn't know it. 

Steele (in sudden recognition). Arthur Merrill! 

Mer. What? (He stares again at the other.) Say, 
who are you? 

Steele. A little more quietly, if you please! 

Mer. Quietly! By Jove! I don't believe you have 
any right on this island ! I believe you're a — spy ! 

Steele (very slowly) . Oh ! I told you you'd call me 
harsh names some day, Outfielder Merrill ! 

Mer. Who in blazes are you? 

Steele (laughing) . You've forgotten the umpire who 
"can't tell a strike from an ice-cream freezer!" (He 
laughs again.) I called you out on strikes one day last 
summer at an exhibition game ^t Green's Falls ! 

Mer. Great Caesar's ghost! Inspector Steele! (He 
seizes Steele's hand.) You! Up here, again! 



THE AIR-SPY II 

Steele (warmly). Merrill, how are you? 

Mer. Never better ! I'm still playing the game, when- 
ever I get a chance. But Mr. Steele! There must be 
some reason for your coming here ! 

Steele. You may be sure that there is. And it's 
rather fortunate for me that I've run across you now 
instead of a few minutes later. 

Mer. (quickly). Say, Mr. Steele, what is this? 

Steele. I think I had Jitter tell you part of it. I 
suppose you know that Dr. Henry Treadwell intends to 
build his giant airship for the United States here during 
the next three months. 

Mer. Yes, yes ! I know the doctor well ; I was just 
talking to him. 

Steele. Well, he isn't destined to carry out his work 
just as he has planned it ! 

Mer. What on earth do you mean ? 

Steele. Just this. Germany has got wind of this. 
The man who has repaired this house for Dr. Treadwell 
is none other than Karl Schoneman, of the German 
Secret Service ! 

Mer. Gosh ! 

Steele. He has assistants, and plenty of them. Now, 
in this branch of the German Secret Service, the spies are 
known by number — not by name. One of the most 
dangerous German spies in the United States to-day is 
the mysterious Number 99 of this division. 

Mer. Number 99 ? Who is that ? 

Steele. No one knows. I've spent over a year hunt- 
ing for that one man. ' I have been told by my chief 
detective that Number 99 is now somewhere in this part 
of the country. 

Mer. But how do you know all this ? 

(Steele walks slowly to the window, and peers out.) 

Steele. Because I am at present an active member of 
their system ! 

Mer. What? 

Steele. That is the truth. I am now Spy Number 
440, American Division, German Secret Service. I got 
in under the name of Wilfred Barrington, who was 
blown to bits in an explosion in Chicago. 



12 THE AIR-SPY 

Mer. Caesar ! What are you going to do ? 

Steele. I must find out what they are planning to do 
here ! I'm going to meet this man Schoneman here to- 
day. He has arranged to have me engaged as Dr. Tread- 
well's assistant, under an assumed name. 

Mer. By Jove ! Those Germans are clever ! 

Steele. Now, I've told you all this so that you will 
realize the need for absolute silence. I want you to get 
off this island at once ! And never one word of this ! 

Mer. I promise ! Never one word — to any one ! 
But Mr. Steele! If these men find out that you are 
tricking them — it's death for you ! 

Steele. I know it ! That's a chance I've got to take ! 
And that's why you must forget, absolutely, that you have 
seen me here. Good-bye, Merrill ! And good luck, if 
they send you to France before I see you again ! 

Mer. Thanks, Mr. Steele. And, say! Good luck — 
to you! 

Steele. Don't worry about me. I must find Number 
99! But, remember! I want silence! 

Mer. I promise you ! Absolute silence — to every one ! 

Steele. On your honor ? 

Mer. On 'my honor! 

Steele. Good! {He starts suddenly.) Here they 
come — the three of them! Out the front door, Merrill, 
and off this island ! Hurry ! 

(He hustles Merrill out into the hall, and follows.) 

Enter Schoneman and Muller from the veranda, fol- 
lowed by Henry Gootner. Schoneman and Mul- 
ler have discarded their carpenters' garb. Gootner 
is a heavy, powerful man, of middle age, slow in 
speech and action. Gootner closes the door as they 
enter. 

Schon. (to Muller). You have made sure they all 
went? 

Muller. I counted them, sir. There were seven who 
came in the launch. I saw them all go. 

Schon. Gut! Now to business! Heinrich, where 
is Herr Barrington? 

Goot. I landed with him on the east shore fifteen 



THE AIR-SPY 13 

minutes ago. I told him to stay out of sight up-stairs 
until those people had gone. 

Schon. Das ist gut ! Bring him in here ! 

(Exit Gootner, to the hall. Schoneman carefully 
closes the door at l. E?tter- Gootner and Steele.) 

Goot. This is the man you wanted. Herr Wilfred 
Barrington, sir ! 

(Steele salutes Schoneman.) 

Schon. (to Steele). You've come to us from 
Chicago ? 

Steele. 4 Yes, Herr Schoneman. 

Schon. Your name is 

Steele. Wilfred Barrington. 

Schon. And your number is 440 ? 

Steele. It is, sir. 

Schon. But they thought in Chicago, Herr Barring- 
ton, that Number 440 was killed in blowing up the Wen- 
dell factories. 

Steele (with a little laugh). Well — they weren't so 
very far from the truth, Herr Schoneman. I was about 
as near death as I ever care to be. Spent nine weeks in 
a hospital there, under an assumed name. I pulled 
through it, some way. 

Schon. And that is fortunate for us. You are a 
man in a hundred for the work that is to be done here. 
American name, American manner, American voice. 

Muller. He is the man for the business, Herr 
Schoneman ! 

Schon. Then — to business, nicht wahr? Do you 
understand exactly what is to be done ? 

Steele. I'm not absolutely sure 

Schon. Then I'll go over the whole matter, step by 
step. There must be absolutely no confusion upon the 
least detail. Gootner tells me you are acquainted with 
Dr. Henry Treadwell. You understand that you have 
engaged to pilot his airship upon its trial trips> 

Steele. Exactly. 

Schon. Gut ! 

Steele. And — I am to be alone? I mean 

Schon. Nein ! Far from it. In the first place, there 



14 



THE AIR-SPV 



will be Henry Gootner, who brought you here. He has 
been engaged as night watchman. 

Steele. Oh ! I understand. 

Schon. Then, also — and the greatest help of all — one 
of our cleverest and most influential American ^agents 
will — visit Dr. Treadwell on the day before the public 
test is made ! This man is Number 99 ! 

Muller. Ach, yes ! That is Herr 

Schon. {sternly). No names, Muller! I command 
you to obey orders, even in private ! Our American co- 
operatives are to be mentioned by number only! {He 
turns again to Steele.) This man is Number 99 in our 
American Division — perhaps the most valuable man in 
this part of the country. 

Steele. Yes, indeed. I have heard of Number 99's 
work. 

Schon. Now listen. Dr. Henry Treadwell comes 
here to-morrow to work three months in secrecy — with 
his assistants— building his monster airship. 

Steele. He will be alone ? 

Schon. No. His wife and daughter will stay here 
with him. And at the end, when the giant air-craft is 
completed, they will have — visitors ! Visitors, Herr Bar- 
fington, in honor of the public test — to celebrate that 
monster of the air, three hundred feet, in length, which 
will drop bombs upon our soldiers ! Bombs weighing 
each one thousand pounds — half a ton — to wipe out whole 
sections of our army, or our cities ! {He gives a fiendish 
laugh.) But he will expect you to pilot his airship upon 
her trial trips. Have you ever done it? 

Steele. I tried it quite a little, about five years ago. 
I'll have no trouble, I'm quite sure. 

Schon. Gut ! Then you will remain here with Tread- 
well. Give him little bits of advice whenever you can ; 
make him feel your importance to him. Muller and I, 
we go to-day, to an abandoned cottage on Campobello. 

Steele. On Campobello ! 

Schon. Yes ! You will pilot the airship on her trial 
trips. When she is ready for the big public test — fly over 
Campobello ! Then, on the day of the great test — / will 
pilot her ! 



THE AIR-SPY 



!5 



Steele (with a start). You! 

Schon. Ach ! Now we're coming to it ! Muller and 
I will man that air-craft when the test-day comes. To 
land here unseen, by rowboat, will be child's play for us. 
But now ! Here lies the difficulty. (He points toward 
the brown door.) That door there is the only means of 
entrance to the shed where the big airship will be built 
and kept. The door will be locked by a combination. 

Steele. Oh, I understand. You want me to get that 
combination. 

Schon. No ! You could not possibly do it without 
arousing suspicion. I want you to be useful to us for 
years to come. Besides, you have been with us only two 
years, Herr Barrington. Such work as that must be done 
by a man with more experience. Number 99 is that man ! 

Steele. Oh ! He will steal the combination. 

Schon. That's it ! As soon as you communicate with 
him, the night before the test, he'll get the combination 

which will open that door for us ! Then — then (He 

leans across the table in his earnestness.) Perhaps you 
can picture the day of the great test, Herr Barrington ! 
The crowds thronging the narrow streets of Eastport 
yonder, pushing forward to the water-front, to watch 
the monster as she rises from this island. And the hotel 
there — the tallest building in the town — with the roof 
balcony jammed with America's — great men ! The army 
chiefs — the aeroplane and airship experts — the great 
commanders — those men of the war department — assem- 
bled from far and near, to see the aerial monster which 
will crush the Fatherland! Those war chiefs of great 
America — the managing power that is driving back our 
army in France — the brains -that are starving our coun- 
trymen! (He pauses, and gives another fiendish laugh.) 
Perhaps you know their program for that — glorious — 
day ! Perhaps you have seen the little rock island, about 
six miles offshore. The air-craft will rise from here, 
carrying with her one of those terrific bombs — half a ton 
in weight — terrible enough to wipe out whole sections of 
our cities. A little demonstration for America's great 
men ! She'll fly once over the crowd in Eastport, dis- 
playing her three hundred feet of black length. She'll 



1 6 THE AIR-SPY 

swing out, then — out over that little rock island in the 
bay. And there she'll test that frightful bomb — wipe 
that little island off the map of the bay! (He pauses.) 
Ach ! Wonderful monster of the air ! 

Steele. Well? What then? 

Schon. But wait ! That is what they have planned, 
Herr Barrington ! That is what they have planned! 
They have not planned to have me pilot her ! They have 
not planned to have Franz Muller's hand upon the lever 
which will drop that bomb ! Ach ! Can't you picture 
us, Herr Barrington ? We rise, while Treadwell rages — 
helpless ! I swing the monster craft over the bay — over 
Eastport — over the crowds in the streets — over the hotel 
balcony! (Steele starts.) The jerk of a lever in 
Muller's hand ! The drop of a thousand pounds of high 
explosive — on to the hotel roof! Gott ! Gott im Himmel ! 
I can see those commanders — those chiefs of great 
America — scattered — dismembered — annihilated! Blown 
to atoms — the brains that are crushing our people ! Mein 
Gott im Himmel ! Let me live to see that — glorious — 
day! 

(Steele has instinctively drawn back, with an expres- 
sion of stunned horror, as he realizes the appalling 
frightfulness of the plot.) 

Steele. God! (He recovers himself instantly.) 
That's wonderful, Herr Schoneman! The greatest 
scheme I ever heard ! But can you do it ? 

Schon. We cannot fail ! Listen ! If Number 99 can 
continue unsuspected until that date — no power on earth 
can stop us ! Remember, the whole success depends upon 
that. Number 99 must not be found out here ! ' 

Steele. But, Herr Schoneman! This Number 99! 
Who is he? 

Schon. It is contrary to the rules of our system to 
mention the names of our American cooperatives. But 
here ! (He draws a small package from his pocket, and 
hands it to Steele. ) When the time comes, you will 
identify your man by these. 

Steele (opening the package) Why, what do these 
mean? Cigars! 



THE AIR-SPY 17 

Schon. Ja! Cigars! Wilhelmstrasse Brand, Herr 
Barrington! The cleverest identification trick in the 
world— a million times as good as the old countersign. 
You don't run any risk of blundering and picking the 
wrong man. (He takes one.) See that little line, about 
half an inch from the end? Look carefully. 
Steele. Yes ! I see it ! 

Schon. (holding out the cigar). Smoke that! 
(Steele takes a match from his pocket, and obeys.) 
The night before the public test there will undoubtedly 
be a number of guests here. Among them, probably, 
several men. You will have to decide at once which one 
of these men is Number 99. Understand? 

Steele (removing the cigar for an instant). I see! 

Schon. Take the first chance, when all the men are 
together. Offer one of these cigars to every one of 
them. Then watch for results. 

Steele. But some of them might decline to smoke. 

Schon. No matter! Number 99 will not decline! 
Then you smoke one yourself, and watch ! (Steele sud- 
denly chokes, and gives an exclamation. ) Ach ! There 
you have it ! It has burned down there ! What do you 
taste? 

(Steele hastily removes the cigar, and zvipes his tongue 
with his handkerchief.) 

Steele. Aaugh! Bad eggs! Hydrogen sulphide! 
Augh ! It's vile ! 

Schon. Bad eggs ! Rather unusual taste for a cigar, 
nicht wahr? When Number 99 tastes one of those 
cigars, he'll know beyond all doubt that you are one of 
our men. 

Steele. But how will / know him ? 

Schon. I'm coming to that. (He gives Steele a slip 
of paper.) Listen! When those gentlemen taste the 
Wilhelmstrasse cigars, they will say some outlandish 
things. But I'll stake my life on this : Not one of them, 
except Number 99, will use the exact words on that 
paper! 

(Steele studies the paper.) 

Steele. Clever, Herr Schoneman ! Mighty clever ! 



1 8 THE AIR-SPY 

Schon. Be sure to destroy that paper when you have 
learned the words. And, remember, you are to bear the 
taste in silence ! 

(Steele repeats several sentences to himself for a 
moment, and then tears up the slip of paper.) 

Steele (placing the cigars in his pocket). I have it! 

Schon. Gut ! That's all. We go now, to Campo- 
bello — to wait ! But one thing more ! Only one man in 
the country can beat us! Have you ever heard of In- 
spector Steele? 

Steele (slowly). Several times, Herr Schoneman. 
He is at the head of the American Secret Service. 

Schon. Exactly ! Watch out for him ! It was Steele 
who blocked our submarine raid on the American fleet. 
It was Steele who kept us from getting the new gas 
secret. It was Steele who caught Von Holtzer at work 
in New York, just at the moment of triumph ! 

Muller. Wherever we turn, he is against us ! 

Schon. But I'll beat him on this game! I'll show 
him that he isn't always there ! Keep a sharp lookout for 
him. He is a tall man, with brown hair, — not unlike' you 
in stature. Heinrich — the toast of allegiance! (Goot- 
ner hurries to the door at l. He returns in a moment 
with a bottle and four small glasses. He sets these on 
the table, and fills them. The four men take them up. 
They raise their glasses above their heads. Schon., 
slowly.) To the slaughter of American hogs! (The 
three Germans quickly lower their glasses, and drink. 
Steele slowly brings his glass dozvn to his lips. Goot- 
ner, swallowing the contents of his glass at one gidp, 
brings the glass down upon the table with a sharp rap, 
startling Steele, who is on the point of drinking. The 
full glass slips from Steele's hand and is shattered upon 
the floor. Schoneman gives an exclamation of exaspera- 
i : on.) Ach! Herr Barrington, what kind of nerves 
have you? It is well that I did not entrust the theft of 
the combination to you! To break the glass in the toast 
of allegiance! It is a warning that we must be careful 
of you ! 

Steele (quickly). Herr Schoneman, it was not so 



THE AIR-SPY 19 

much my nerves. You have failed to provide for one 
very important emergency. 

Schon. What is that? 

Steele. What if I should fail to locate Number 99 by 
the cigar test? 

Schon. {exasperated). Ach Himmel ! Herr Bar- 
rington, you could not fail ! He will be there, I tell you, 
and he will use the words that you have memorized ! 
Come, come ! We'll waste time here until we lose the 
tide ! {He goes to the door, with his two companions. 
Turns.) Remember, .Herr Barrington! Your reward 
for staying here successfully is to be twenty thousand 
dollars. Twenty thousand. Carry out your work here 
unsuspected, and you earn it ! Make the slightest attempt 
to trick us or double-cross us — and you die ! 

Steele. I understand, Herr Schoneman! 

Schon. Gluck auf, Herr Barrington! We'll show 
them now ! Find 99, look out for Steele, and be ready in 
September ! 

Steele {saluting). Then — till the work is done — auf 
Wiedersehen ! {For five full seconds the German chief 
of spies stares long and hard into Steele's eyes. Then, 
apparently satisfied, he leaves abruptly, and slams the 
veranda door behind him. Steele turns slowly, and 
seats himself at the table. His back is toward the door. 
He sits absolutely still for nearly ten seconds. His face 
has an indescribable expression; he seems staring into 
space. Finally, he speaks, in a low, clear voice.) That 
scheme is great! It's wonderful! I only hope tliat 
grafting" Colonel Brandon will be there! Jove! We'll 
do it! {Slowly, noiselessly, the veranda, door behind him 
swings partly open. The grim face of Schoneman is 
framed in the aperture. He halts, and listens.) We'll 
do it! Yes, we'll do it! {His eyes stare upzvard at the 
old ceiling in his earnestness. ) We'll wipe out every man 
of them — for the Fatherland ! 

(Schoneman nods his head with a satisfied chuckle 
as he softly retreats and recloses the door. And 
Steele laughs softly, too.) 

CURTAIN ' 



ACT II 

SCENE. — The same as Act I. The evening of Septem- 
ber 21st. The room has been fitted out in comfortable 
fashion. Curtains have been hung at the window. 
There are plenty of chairs, and the old table has been 
replaced by a reading-table, with an electric lamp. 
There are candlesticks and other articles on the mantel- 
piece over the fireplace. To the r., as one enters from 
the veranda door, there is a roller-top desk near the. 
window at r. The bow and quiver and the other old 
articles are still hanging on the walls. 

(Tread well is seated at the desk. Enter Mrs. Tread- 
well from the hall. He closes the desk cover, and 
rises. ) 

Mrs. Tread. Henry, 

Tread. Yes, dear. 

Mrs. Tread. I wanted to speak to you about this 
evening. We must try to make Ruth happy to-night. 
You must put everything else out of your mind, and be 
young again. 

Tread. I'll try, Ellen. Til try hard. But it isn't 
easy to spend three months alone here, working, and then 
forget the whole thing on the night before our triumph. 

Mrs. Tread. Of course it isn't. But certainly you 
can do it just for this evening, while all our friends are 
here. 

Tread. Oh, I don't see how I can, Ellen ! I can't do 
it when there's this horrible feeling hanging over me 
night and day — this feeling that something might happen ! 
It gives me a shiver when I realize that the work of all 
these months lies just beyond that shed door! 

Mrs. Tread. But what is there to fear among our 
friends ? 

Tread. That's just what is troubling me! We 
20 



THE AIR-SPY 21 

shouldn't have had them here — to-night, of all nights! 
It isn't right! If the Government knew it 

Mrs. Tread. Why, Henry! {She hesitates, puzzled.) 
Why, there is no one here whom we haven't known for 
years, except Mr. Everton. We couldn't think of not 
having the Lawrences! Ruth would be broken-hearted 
if Muriel couldn't come, and you have known her father 
ever since your college days ! 

Tread. ' Oh, of course the Lawrences are all right! 
You know I don't mean them. But we shouldn't have 
had any one else ! 

Mrs. Tread, {laughing). Why, Henry, Mr. Everton 
is harmless. He's Harold Felton's friend, you know. 

Tread. Well? How about that Miss Linden? 

Mrs. Tread. Why, she has been staying with the 
Lawrences, at their cottage. It would be nothing less 
than an insult if I hadn't invited her. 

Tread. Hm ! She didn't •seem a bit anxious to be 
invited, until after the airship had landed in the park 
over there Tuesday. She stared at the apparatus in the 
pilot's seat all the time we were there. Barrington 
noticed her, too. Then, also, there's that Francis Drury. 
You asked him up here, all the way from Portland. 

Mrs. Tread. But he was so pleasant to us last year ! 
Remember the wonderful picture he painted of Ruth. 
And he's going to paint the view from the veranda. 

Tread. I don't care. I never liked the man. We 
shouldn't have any of these people here, except the Law- 
rences. This all comes from having Arthur Merrill and 
young Felton stationed here as part of the patrol. 

Enter Ruth and Muriel from the hall. They are fol- 
lozved by Lawrence. 

Ruth. Mother, do come ! We're going to have re- 
freshments in the living-room. 

Mrs. Tread. Of course we'll come, dear. Why, 
Muriel, what a wonderful chrysanthemum ! 

{She indicates the flozver which Muriel is wearing. ) 

Muriel. Oh, do you like it? Every one seeriis to 
remark upon it. 



22 THE AIR-SPY 

Mrs. Tread. But where are the others ? 

Ruth. Arthur and Harold are on the veranda with 
Mr. Ever ton. 

Muriel. And I saw Margaret Linden in the garden 
with Mr. Drury. He was drawing a sketch by moon- 
light. (She goes to the veranda door.) Refreshments, 
friends ! 

Ever, (entering). Er — delighted, Miss Lawrence! 

(He is followed by Felton and Merrill, both in uni- 
form. Drury and Steele also follow. ) 

Ruth. Oh ! Did you finish your sketch, Mr. Drury? 

Drury. Very nearly, Miss Treadwell. I — er — I 
would be glad to let you see it when I complete it to- 
morrow. 

Muriel. But what has become of Margaret ? Wasn't 
she with you, Mr. Drury? 

Drury. You mean — er^ — Miss Linden. Yes, indeed, 
she joined me about an hour ago, while I was at work. 
We talked there for some time, until Mr. Barrington 
came. 

Muriel (turning to Steele). And you saw her there, 
Mr. Barrington? 

Steele. Yes, indeed, Miss Lawrence. I joined them, 
and 

Drury. Why, yes, I introduced her to Mr. Barring- 
ton. We talked a minute or two longer. Then, I re- 
member, Miss Linden said she was going in to ask Miss 
Lawrence to come and see the sketch. But she didn't 
return. 

Muriel. Why — how strange ! Where could she have 
gone? 

Tread, (quickly). Exceedingly strange, Muriel ! Ellen, 
we must find that young lady ! 

Ruth. Oh, Daddy, she's'perfectly safe ! We needn't 
worry about her; she must be around the house some- 
where. 

Law. Gootner, the watchman, will see her if she is 
outside. 

Tread. I believe I'll have another look. Barrington, 
perhaps you'll help me for a moment. You people needn't 
wait for us. 



THE AIR-SPY 



2 3 



Ruth. But do hurry, Daddy. 

(Exit Tread well to the veranda, followed by Steele. 
The others pass out into the hall. A brief interval. 
Treadwell and Steele reenter from the veranda.) 

Tread. No, no ! r*he refreshments can wait. I'll 
not leave this room unguarded while that young woman 
is about the house alone. 

Steele. But I tell you, Dr. Treadwell, there is abso- 
lutely no possibility of her being 

Tread. I'll not trust any one ! Refreshments or no 
refreshments, I refuse to leave this room! (He hesi- 
tates.) That is, unless you 

Steele. Certainly. Go ahead, Doctor. I'll stay here 
until you return. 

Tread. Oh, then that will be all right. I'm much 
obliged. [Exit to hall. 

(Steele takes a book from the table, and seats him- 
self. He begins to redd. The veranda door opens 
slowly and softly. Enter Margaret. She closes 
the door carefully, takes a step into the room, and 
glances around quickly. She gives a little start at 
the sight of Steele in the chair.) 

Marg. Oh, Mr. — Barrington ! 

(Steele closes the book with a start, and springs up. 
He goes quickly to her.) 

Steele. Margaret ! You, of all others, in this place ! 

Marg. (drawing back). Oh, wait! Some one may 
hear you. (She hesitates.) Why are you here as — 
Wilfred Barrington? 

Steele. I'll tell you everything ! I've tried all day to 
let you know. (He lowers his voice.) I am Number 
440, American Division, German Secret Service. 

Marg. (starting) . Oh, I knew it ! I knew it ! You're 
playing that terrible double part again! Right inside 
their own system, where they'll find you out, and — mur- 
der you ! 

Steele. Margaret! You mustn't 

Marg. I've known it all ! For weeks and weeks I've 
known it ! Ever since you came to Maine ! Something — ■ 



24 THE AIR-SPY 

within me — has told me again and again that you were 
risking your life among those men! I couldn't eat — I 
couldn't sleep — until I wrote to Muriel Lawrence! I — 
almost begged her to let me visit her up here! Then 
Tuesday I saw you, and you wouldn't recognize me, and 
I knew all my fears were true! (She chokes.) You 
promised me you wouldn't throw your life away ! 

(The veranda door, perhaps from a gust of wind, 
swings silently inward for a fezv inches.) 

Steele. Margaret, I told you a year ago that there 
was nothing in the world for me except you ! But we — 
we said we would wait! We said we'd both keep on 
doing our parts, alone, until after this frightful war! I 
must keep on — for America! I'm going to live! I 
promise you ! I'm going to live ! (He pauses.) There's 
nothing on earth I'd rather do than drop it all, and come 
to you to-day. But I can't ! I — I've got to be — worthy 
of you ! 

(She comes to him quickly.) 

Marg. Malcome ! (He takes her in his arms, and 
kisses her.) Forgive me for coming here! But I 
couldn't stay away, with you in danger! 

Steele. Margaret ! Margaret, dear ! I'm glad you've 
come ! I can beat any one in the world with you here ! 
And I will beat- them! (He releases her quickly.) But 
we mustn't stay here too long. They've been looking 
for you. 

Marg. (turning quickly). I'll go at once. But 
please — be careful! 

(She goes quickly out into the hall. Steele stands in 
silence for a moment, staring after her. At length 
he turns slowly, and finds Gootner standing in the 
veranda doorway.) 

Steele. Oh! Gootner, what are you doing here? 
They'll return, and find you. 

Goot. Well, well ? What of it ? I have perfect right 
here, in making my rounds. But I have one question to 
ask you, Herr — Barrington ! 



THE AIR-SPY 25 

(Steele gives the watchman a sharp glance. The man 
returns' it with a stare which is itself a silent menace.) 

Steele (at length). Just what do you mean? 
Goot. I will soon tell you what I mean ! What were 
you saying to that young woman? 

(For a fraction of a second, Steele's fingers clench in- 
voluntarily. ) 

Steele (quietly). You— er — you consider that your 
i TT n n" 

Goqt. I mean to make it my affair, Herr Barrington ! 
Who is that young woman? 

Steele (slozvly). Well, I don't see yet that such a 
question is within your rights. But I'm sure it doesn't 
matter. She is Miss Margaret Linden, of New York. 

Goot. Oh ! And you met her # v 

Steele. About a year ago. Before I was in the 
hospital. 

Goot. Hm ! You met her in New York, I suppose. 

Steele (giving him a quick glance). Of course not! 
I told you last week that I haven't been in New York for 
three years. I met her on the steamer, when she was 
returning from France. 

Goot. What did I hear you say to her just now? 

Steele. I repeat, Gootner, that this affair concerns 
me alone. May I ask how you happened to be listening? 

Goot. What else could I do? She has prowled 
around that veranda for half an hour. I followed her. 
And I did not like your conversation ! What did I hear 
her call you when you put your arms around her ? 

(Steele's hand clenches again, in spite of his efforts, 
at the German's mention of that incident. But he 
meets Gootner's gaze squarely.) 

Steele. What did you hear her call me? Wilfred, 
of course! 

Goot. It did not sound like Wilfred ! 

Steele. Then perhaps you'll be kind enough to tell 
me what else it could have been ! 

Goot. Well— you may be right ! But I don't like that 



26 THE AIR-SPY 

young woman and her prowling in the garden at night ! 
But we waste time, Herr Barrington ! I have had final 
orders from Herr Schoneman. {He glances around the 
room.) The combination of that door is locked in the 
desk by the window. 

Steele. How does Schoneman know that ? 

Goot. Number 99 has been at work already. He sent 
a code message to them this afternoon. And Number 99 
is ready to steal that combination as soon as you com- 
municate with him. It is time you had done so. 

Steele. I intend to, at once. They are having re- 
freshments now. I'll give them the cigar test when the 
men return. 

Goot. Where are those cigars? 

Steele {exhibiting a metal cigar-case). I have eight 
of them in this cigar-case. 

Goot. Scbon ! And you have not forgotten the words 
which he will use? 

Steele. Do you think I'd be likely to forget them? 
{Glances toward hall door.) Here they come! You'd 
better 

Goot. Das ist gut ! Gluck auf ! [Exit to the veranda. 

Enter Merrill, Felton, Everton, Treadwell, Law- 
rence, and Drury, from the hall. 

Felton. Oh, Mr. Barrington ! I forgot to tell you 
this afternoon. That was one peach of a landing you 
made here after the flight to-day ! 

Ever. I thought it was a remarkable bit of engineer- 
ing ! 

Mer. Gee ! You must have had a bully flight to-day ! 

Steele. Yes, indeed. The big machine answered her 
rudder to perfection. Didn't you think so, Doctor? 

Tread. I certainly did. It was a very satisfactory 
trial. {He turns to the others.) Mr. Barrington took 
her around her course in twenty-five minutes to-day. 
Flew over Campobello, too, on the way back. 

Drury. Campobello. That is Canadian territory, is 
it not? 

Law. Yes. A quaint old place. {He laughs.) I 
imagine you startled the natives a trifle ! 



THE AIR-SPY 



27 



Tread. I shouldn't wonder. He was flying rather 
low. 

Law. By George, it must be a wonderful feeling, 
Henry! The rush of the cool air, and the thrill of the 
motion through space ! I'd almost like to pilot a machine 
myself. 

Felton. You must have nerve, Mr. Lawrence! I 
wouldn't care to try it, and I'm only twenty ! 

Law. Well, we all wish you luck, Mr. Barrington, in 
the big flight to-morrow. 

Drury. The very best of luck ! 

Ever. But I understand that you are going to deprive 
us of that picturesque little rock island in the bay ! 

Tread. Yes, indeed ! We are hoping to be able to 
deprive you of it — entirely ! 

Felton. One thousand pounds of high explosive! 
Jove ! And that whole piece of land — blown skyward in 
one mass ! It's the sight of a lifetime ! 

Mer. I can't imagine any greater sight than that ! 

Drury. O-ho ! (A little laugh.) I fear you must be 
lacking in imagination, Mr. Merrill ! 

Mer. (quickly). Why do you say that? 

Ever. Er — yes, indeed, Mr. Drury ! Can you imagine 
anything more inspiring? 

Drury (hesitating). Why, my dear Mr. Everton, I 
hardly think of it the way you do. My ideal — my per- 
fect picture — is the peacefully beautiful — the superbly 
tranquil — the sublime ! To me the destruction of that 
little island is — a pitiful thing! 

(One or two of the men laugh.) 

Steele (smiling). There are ways and ways of look- 
ing at it, I suppose. We don't destroy the island 
wantonly, you understand. We have to make some 
sacrifices for the sake of the cause. I'm sure we all love 
nature. But it's " America first," you know. 

Drury (slowly). Oh, yes, indeed! Of course! 
" America first ! " 

Steele. But suppose we try to forget the whole af- 
fair until to-morrow. By way of diversion, I'd like your 



28 THE AIR-SPY 

opinion on a few — foreign relics — which were presented 
to me this spring. 

Tread. Foreign relics, Barrington? Why, what are 
they ? 

Steele (slowly removing the metal cigar-case from his 
pocket). It is a very unique brand of foreign cigar, Dr. 
Treadwell. The gentleman who gave them to me doesn't 
know their origin. But they are certainly the most re- 
markable cigars I ever smoked. 

Tread. Why, I would be glad to try one. That is — 
unless they are conducive to insomnia. 

Steele. Not in the least, Doctor. I find them quite — 
soothing. A very remarkable taste. 

Ever. You don't imagine there is some drug? 

Steele. I have often wondered about that, Mr. Ever- 
ton. Do try one, Dr. Treadwell. (Treadwell takes 
one.) And Mr. Everton. 

Ever, (taking one). Simply delighted, Mr. Barring- 
ton! 

Tread, (placing a tray from the mantelpiece on the 
table). Here are matches, gentlemen. 

Felton. I believe I'd like to sample those, Mr. Bar- 
rington. (He takes one.) 

Mer. I'm with you on this, Hal. (He takes one.) 

(Felton and Merrill light their cigars. Everton 
and Treadwell do likewise.) 

Steele. And, Mr. Lawrence, you'll give me your 
opinion of these, I know. 

Law. (shaking his head). I'm sorry, Mr. Barrington. 
I very seldom smoke anything at all, and (He hesi- 
tates. ) 

Steele. You'll not disappoint me ! 
_ Law. (a bit reluctantly). Very well. I suppose you 
like to get as great a variety of opinions as you can. 
Thank you. (He takes one and glances at it with mild 
.interest.) They certainly have a peculiar appearance, 
haven't they, Henry? 

Tread, (just lighting his cigar). I should say so! 
You'll smoke with us, won't you, Barrington ? 



THE AIR-SPY 29 

Steele. Certainly. I Oh! I beg your par- 
don, Mr. Drury ! I certainly didn't intend to forget you ! 

Drury (taking a cigar with considerable interest). 
Oh — er — thank you ! 

(Drury steps forward and lights his cigar. Law- 
rence does the same. Steele is the last one to start 

smoking.) 

Steele. You must all be perfectly frank in your 

opinions. 

Tread. I shall, for one. There seems to be hardly 
any taste at all. Perhaps I'll notice it more as I con- 
tinue. 

(Everton slozvly zviihdraws the cigar from his mouth 
and gazes at it quizzically.) 

Steele. How do you find it, Mr. Everton? 

Ever. Why— er — it seems a trifle mild, Mr. Barring- 
ton! (He replaces it.) 

Felton. It tastes to me like an ordinary Blackstone. 

Steele. What is your opinion, Mr. Drury ? 

Drury (considering the matter). I think perhaps I 
had better reserve judgement until 

Felton. A-a-ugh ! (He snatches his cigar from his 

lips.) My stars! Say, Mr. Barrington! This is 

Gee! 

Mer. For the love of Pete, Hal, what's the matter 
with you? There's nothing 

(He stops suddenly, and his expression changes.) 

Tread, (to Felton). But, Harold, tell us! What 
is it? 

Mer. A-a-a-agh ! (He throws the cigar into the fire- 
place and paces about, choking. ) Jumping Caesar's ghost ! 
Gosh all hemlock ! Suffering cats ! 

Law. Arthur! My dear fellow, what is the trouble? 

We haven't tasted anything V 

Mer. Rotten eggs! Great Guns of Farragut! It's 
rotten eggs, I'll swear ! 

Tread, (leaping up from his chair). Good land of 
Goshen ! Upon my word, I've got it now ! 



3° 



THE AIR-SPY 



(He wipes his mouth with his handkerchief.) 



Law. Henry, this is astounding ! 

Ever, (snatching the cigar from his lips). What the 
deuce 

Felton. Ha! Ha! Ha! Carleton's got it! Bar- 
rington, this is clever! 

Ever. Merciful heavens above! (Throws away the 
cigar.) Simply — ghastly, Mr. Barrington! 

Tread, (whirling to face Lawrence). Victor, do 
you mean to tell me you haven't 

Law. On my honor, I haven't ! I don't see what on 
earth 

Drury. O-o-o-o-oh ! Abomination, Mr. Barrington ! 
(Steele gives him a sharp glance. The others turn 
eagerly to watch the fun.) My dear sir, I can't stand 
this! Upon my word, I can't smoke this! (Throws it 
away.) O-oh ! It's the very essence of decayed prunes ! 

{A general laugh.) 

Felton., Prunes! I can't see the resemblance to 
prunes ! Agh ! 

Mer. Prunes, did you say? Augh ! 
Law. O-a-ugh ! 

(They turn to him with a roar of laughter.) 

Felton. You've got it, Mr. Lawrence! You've got 
it at last ! 

(Lawrence spitefully throws the offending cigar into 
the fireplace. He plainly considers the affair an 
insult to his dignity. He strides forward in indig- 
nation. ) 

Law. (to Steele). This is abominable, sir! I 
smoked that thing as a favor to you ! I notice you took 
care not to smoke the putrid stuff ! 

Tread. Really, Barrington, you shouldn't have played 
such a trick ! 

Ever. I say, Mr. Barrington! This is an ungodly - 
joke! 

Steele (quietly). I'm very sorry indeed, Mr. Law- 
rence. I hadn't intended the matter as a joke. 



THE AIR-SPY 31 

(He is still smoking his cigar at intervals.) 

Enter Ruth from the hall. 

Ruth. Pardon me, gentlemen. But Mother is very 
anxious for Mr. Drury to show her the sketches he 
spoke of. 

Drury. Oh, certainly. I'll come at once. 

Felton. I'd like to see them, too, if you don't mind, 
Mr. Drury. Come on, Art. 

Ruth. And, Daddy, you come, too, please. 

Tread. I'm sorry, dear. But I'll not be able to, just 
this minute. (Exit Ruth, followed by Felton, Mer- 
rill, Drury, and Everton. Treadwell, Lawrence, 
and Steele remain.) You see, Victor, I don't like to 
leave this room unguarded, even for a minute. I've -felt 
this way ever since we finished building the airship in 
that shed out there. It's foolish of me, I know, but I 
can't help it. 

Law. Why, I'd hardly call it foolish, Henry. I know 
I should feel just the same way myself, with that won- 
derful machine locked there behind that door. 

Tread. Oh, there ! They are calling me again, in the 
living-room. Barrington, I wonder if you'd mind telling 
them that I can't possibly come for the present. 

Steele. Certainly, Dr. Treadwell. I'd be glad to 
do it. [Exit. 

Tread. It's that everlastingly bothersome combination 
that's causing me all this worry. You see, I am the only 
person on the island who knows it and uses it, and the 
Government won't let me destroy the paper. I feel I 
have to keep this room locked every minute. 

Law. I understand how it is. 

Tread. I've often wondered if it's really safe to leave 
the paper there in that desk. I sometimes think it would 
be better if I should carry it around with me all the time. 
I say, Victor, your judgment has been worth a lot to 
me. What do you think about it ? 

Law. (slowly). Well, of course, there would be ad- 
vantages in either way. If you should leave it there in 
the desk, a theft might be made without your immediate 



32 THE AIR-SPY 

knowledge. On the other hand, if you should cany it 
around with you, there would always be the danger of 
personal attack. {He gives a little laugh.) Of course, 
Henry, you know I'm hardly the one to decide such a 
question for you, but since you ask my advice, I should 
say that it might be safer in the desk, where it is, under 
lock and key. 

Tread. I suppose that would be best. {He hesitates.) 
Victor, I hate to tell you this. I don't think I'd say it to 
any one else in the world, except Ellen. But I — I've had 
pretty grave doubts about one or two of the people we've 
invited here as guests to-night. 

Law. {surprised). Why, Henry, this — this sounds 
serious ! 

Tread. I know it! And I hate to mention any one's 
name, even to you. {He pauses.) In the first place, 
Victor, I don't like the idea of our having that Francis 
Drury here to-night. 

Law. Francis Drury! Why, I understood that he 
was an artist, and 

Tread. Yes ; I know he seems all right. But the Gov- 
ernment wouldn't like the idea of my having people here 
to-day that we know so little about. And then, besides 
Drury {He checks himself.) 

Law. I'm afraid you're a little nervous, Henry. 
There's absolutely no need for all this worry. {He 
laughs. ) But if you really want to persist in looking for 
suspicious characters among your guests — why not 
try me? 

Tread. You! I don't 

Law. {laughing). Why not? My mother's family 
was as German as Von Hindenburg himself, you know — 
and I was born in Berlin. 

Tread, {with a little impatience). Victor, I do wish 
you wouldn't treat this matter as a joke. It's terribly 
serious to me ! 

Law. But, really, that's every bit as reasonable as 
any of your other suspicions. I've never seen a more 
harmless person than Francis Drury, and as for any of 
the others — why, it's absurd! 

Tread. I— I suppose so. But I'll tell you something 



THE AIR-SPY 33 

else that has worried me lately. I'm becoming far from 
satisfied with Barrington himself! 

Law. (startled). With— with Barrington ! Why, he 
has been piloting 

Tread. Yes! That's the worst of it! Victor^ that 
Wilfred Barrington has not had one-half the experience 
in aviation that he claims he's had ! That man will bear 
watching to-morrow ! 

Law. But has he given you any reason to think — — 

Tread. Judge for yourself. Last week I caught him 
talking quietly with Gootncr, the watchman. I made up 
my mind to discharge Gootner last Monday, but I haven't 

done it. 

Law. In regard to Barrington, I've had a strange 
feeling concerning him myself. I know I've met that 
man somewhere ! By George, I can't remember where ! 
(He stops quickly, seeing the expression of worry on his 
friend's face, and reassures him at once.) But I'm sure 
it was in America — so he's undoubtedly all right. 

Tread. Victor, there is something wrong in this house ! 
I feel it 

(He stops, and glances toward the hall door.) 
Law. It's Muriel, with Harold and Arthur. 
Enter Muriel, follozved by Merrill and Felton. 

Tread.- Come in, Muriel. 

Felton. We've come with an urgent message from 
Mr. Drury. 

Tread. Oh ! 

Muriel. Yes, Dr. Treadwell. Mr. Drury has gone 
up-stairs to get his wonderful painting of Portland Har- 
bor. He says he is especially anxious to have you see it. 
I'm afraid he will be very much disappointed if you don't 
come into the living-room and look at it. 

Tread. Why, Muriel, please tell him I'd be glad to 

come if I could only (He hesitates.) You see, 

that would mean that I would have to lock up this room. 
(He pauses, undecided, and casts a glance at the desk.) 
I'll tell you, Victor. I wonder if you'd mind staying here 
for just a minute while I go in there. 



34 



THE AIR-SPY 



Law. Why, of course I'll stay. I'd be glad to do it. 

Mer. Yes, go ahead, Dr. Treadwell. Hal and I will, 
wait here, too. 

Tread. I'd be greatly obliged if you would. I'd feel 
a bit shaky, unless I knew you'd keep your eye on the 
place. I'll not be a minute, and then you can go and see 
the picture. 

Law. Don't feel worried about the room. We'll be 
good watchmen. 

Tread. Then, Muriel, let us proceed. 

(Exit Treadwell to the hall, with Muriel. Law- 
rence seats himself in a chair near the hall door. 
Felton and Merrill also take chairs. ) 

Felton. It's strange how nervous he is about leaving 
this room. He must be all worn out with his work. 

Law. To tell the truth, I think it has come to be al- 
most a mania with him. He has been wrapped up in his 
work so long that he can't bear to be away from his 
airship^ even for a minute. Poor Henry ! I pity any 
one who is in his state of mind. 

Mer. It's the result of overwork, I suppose. 

Law. Yes, that's it. He has worked altogether too 
hard. I think I might as well smoke till he comes back. 
(He laughs.) This time, however, I believe I'll try a 
safe and sane cigar. Outrageous trick, that of Barring- 
ton's ! (He reaches inside his coat for cigars.) Will 
you try one of (He stops suddenly, and leans for- 
ward in excitement.) Listen! Do you hear anything? 

(He leaps to his feet.) 

Mer No! What is it? 

Law. Listen! Don't you hear that? Hear it? A 
man's footsteps ! 

(He hurries to the door at the l. of the room, opens 
it an inch or two, and listens.) 

Felton. What on earth is the matter? 
Mer. What is it ? 

Law. Hear it? There's a man sneaking toward this 
room ! I hear him ! He's coming to try to steal Tread- 



THE AIR-SPY 35 

well's combination! Look out! He may be armed! 
Help me keep him out ! 

(Lawrence dashes forward to the hall door at r., finds 
the key in the door, and locks it. He then runs to 
the veranda door, and locks that. Again he listens.) 

Felton. I don't hear any one! 

Law. Here he comes ! » 

Mer. (starting forward). Which way? I can't hear 
him ! 

Law 7 . The other door ! Through the other room ! 
Come on ; we'll lock him out ! (He runs to the door at l., 
and attempts to close it, but is forced backward.) Here 
he is, Harold ! Arthur ! For Heaven's sake, quick ! 
He's trying to push it open! (Lawrence stands braced 
against the door, which is open about three inches. Mer- 
rill and Felton spring across the room to his aid. 
Lawrence, just as Merrill and Felton arrive.) Look 
out ! He has gas to suffocate us ! 

(He chokes and staggers back. Merrill and Felton 
choke, and. drop back unconscious. Lawrence reels, 
claps his hand to his mouth zvith an exclamation of 
agony, and falls to the floor near the door. The door 
remains closed an instant. The light in the room 
suddenly snaps out, leaving the place in darkness. 
Door-knob rattles as door at l. is opened. There is 
a sound of muffled footsteps as a man crosses the 
room to the desk. There is the sound of splintering 
wood. The unknown man uses a flash-light with a 
pencil ray, and takes a paper from a drawer. He 
races back across the room. The door at l. slams. 
There is a long silence. Then voices are heard out- 
side the door at r. The knob is rattled violently.) 

Tread, (from outside). Why, this door is locked! 
What can this mean? Victor, what is the matter? Un- 
lock the door ! Victor ! Victor ! 

Steele (from outside). There is another door open- 
ing into this room! 

Tread. Yes, on the other side, from that extra room ! 
Through the dining-room ! 



36 THE AIR-SPY 

Steele. Then we had better go around there at once ! 

(A moment later they are heard outside the door at l. 
.The door is opened. ) 

Tread, {from outside). Wait! »The place is dark! 
I'll turn on the light! (The light snaps on. The desk 
cover has been broken open. Merrill and Felton are 
still unconscious. Lawrence, partly recovered, is chok- 
ing with a handkerchief to his face.) What on earth has 
happened? Victor! Tell me what has happened! 

What does My desk has been opened ! (He rushes 

forzvard to the desk, looks in a small drawer, and staggers 
back.) The combination! 

(Steele hurries to the aid of Lawrence and the two 
young men.) 

Steele. What has happened, Mr. Lawrence? What 
was it? Are you ill? Who 

Tread. It's gone ! Stolen ! The combination has 
been stolen! Help! Help! Everybody! (He rushes 
to Lawrence, who is trying to rise. Felton and Mer- 
rill are slozvly recovering consciousness. ) For Heaven's 
sake, who did it, Victor? How did he get in? Who 
was it? 

Law. (choking). I — I — heard him — coming. He — 
put out the light — and suffocated us— with gas. I 
couldn't see him ; I don't know who he was ! 

Tread. Oh, this is terrible ! 

Steele. Stand away from here, Doctor. There's 
still some of that stuff in the air. (He coughs.) It's 
chlorine. 

(Tread well sits down. There is a shouting and a 

pounding on the door at r. Steele unlocks it, and 

' admits Ruth, Mrs. Treadwell, Muriel, Margaret, 

and Everton. They all rush in with exclamations 

of surprise and fright. ) 

Mrs. Tread. Henry! What has happned? 
Ruth. Daddy ! What can be the trouble ? 
Muriel (to Lawrence). Father, what has happened 
to you ? Have you been hurt ? 

Law. I've been suffocated ! Some terrible gas ! 



THE AIR-SPY 37 

(Merrill and Felton climb unsteadily to their feet. 
Muriel assists her father to a chair.) 

Ruth. Daddy, do tell me what has happened ! Why 
were you shouting for help ? 

Tread. I've been robbed ! The combination has been 
stolen ! 

Ever. The combination! Er — what is that? 

Tread. The secret which will open that door to the 
construction-shed! It's gone from the drawer! The 
desk has been smashed open! Oh, let go of my arm, 
Ellen ! I must catch that man ! 

Ruth. Man! Whatman? 

Tread. The man who came in here and stole it, after 
suffocating Victor and the boys ! I don't know who it 
could have been ! We'll search this house from top to 
bottom until we find that combination! By George, I'll 
get that man if it takes 

Steele. One moment, Doctor! Where is the switch 
that controls these lights? 

Tread. Right outside that door, where the thief came 
in. There's another in the hall. But what difference 

Steele. Very well ! That's all ! 

Mrs. Tread. But, Henry, no one could have entered 
the room here. We have all been right there in the 
living-room for the last half hour, and no one could pos- 
sibly have come in here — except — except 

Enter Drury in haste, from the hall The others stare 
at him. 

Drury. Why, what has happened here? Is — is any- 
thing wrong? I hurried down to the living-room with 
that painting, but the place was deserted, so I — I came 
in here. What is the trouble? 

Tread, (springing up). The trouble is that some one 
in this house has stolen the combination which will open 
that door! Friends, do you realize what this means? 
It means that one of our invited guests in this house— one 
of you people here in this room now — is a spy ! 

(A general start of horror.) 

Mrs. Tread. Henry ! 



38 THE AIR-SPY 

Tread. It means that the secret which protects the 
giant airship is now in the hands of the enemy ! Barring- 
ton, call the soldiers ! We'll guard that door every instant 
until the test to-morrow afternoon ! 



CURTAIN 







ACT III • 

SCENE i. — The same. The afternoon of the next day. 
About 1:30. 

(Treadwell is seated in a chair near the desk. Enter 
Lawrence. ) 

Law. See here, Henry. I'm sure there's no need for 
you to sit here by this door all the time. You ought to 
have the soldiers do that. 

Tread. I know that. Arthur Merrill is coming right 
in to relieve me. 

Law. And for goodness' sake, Henry, stop worrying 
about this ! In a little over two hours more the whole 
thing will be finished. 

Tread. Yes, Victor — only two 'hours more. But 
those two hours are the ones which will count. I will 
not leave that door unguarded while the combination is 
in the hands of a spy ! 

Law. Henry, just what is causing you so much 
worry? What do you imagine an enemy could do, even 
if he should get into the shed? If he should put the 
machine out of commission, you could repair it in a few 
days. What earthly good would that do any one? 

Tread. But, remember, there is a half -ton bomb wait- 
ing there in the explosive-room. He could blow this 
whole island out of the water! 

Law. Oh, here is Arthur, now. 

Enter Merrill, with a rifle. 

Mer. I'm all ready to take your place, Dr. Treadwell. 
Tread. Thank you, Arthur. 

(Lawrence places his hand on Treadwell's shoulder.) 

Law. Come, Henry. We'll take things easy until it's 
time for the test. We both need to think of something 
else for a while. 

39 



40 THE AIR-SPY 

(He leads Treadwell out into the hall. Merrill 
stands the rifle against the wall, and seats himself in 
the chair which Treadwell has left. Enter Ruth 
from the veranda, with Mrs. Treadwell and 
Muriel. ) 

Ruth. Oh, here's Arthur, Mother. 

Mrs. Tread. But the others aren't here. 

Muriel. I saw Mr. Everton in the living-room with 
Harold Felton. 

Ruth. But where is Mr. Drury ? 

Muriel. Didn't you see? He is in the garden with 
Miss Linden again. They were there this morning, too. 
You know, I really think 

Ruth (laughing). But I'll tell you what / think, 
Muriel Lawrence ! I think you have charmed poor Mr. 
Everton completely. I never in my life saw a man so 
embarrassed as he is whenever you speak to him! Re- 
member what he did yesterday afternoon ! 

Mrs. Tread. Wasn't that ridiculous ! 

Mer. What did he do ? 

Ruth. Why, he had started down the path to the 
beach. Muriel called to him, and asked him if he would 
carry Mother's coat down to the shore for her. She 
handed him the coat, and he stood there a minute, trying 
to think of something to say to her, and he kept getting 
more and more flustered every instant — and finally he 
started to put on the coat himself ! 

Mer. (laughing heartily). By Jove, that's a good one 
on Everton ! 

Mrs. Tread. And Henry saw him do something else, 
every bit as ridiculous, this morning. I wish I could 
remember what it was ! 

Ruth. Oh, see there! (She hurries to the window.) 
Another big yacht going by ! 

Muriel (following). See the men in uniform! 

Mrs. Tread. They're going up to Eastport, to be there 
for the test. 

Ruth. Oh, Mother, you should have been on the 
veranda about twenty minutes ago. A larger boat than 
this went by, just loaded with army officers. Mr. Drury 



THE AIR-SPY 41 

thought he recognized one of the men. I can't remember 
the name; it was General Something-or-other. 

Enter Margaret and Drury from the veranda. 

Muriel. Oh, Mr. Drury, did you recognize any of 
the men on this second boat? 

Drury. I'm afraid I didn't succeed, Miss Lawrence. 
It was a little farther out than the other. But wasn't it 
a remarkably pretty sight? 

Ruth. Especially those men in uniform! 

Mer. Better than that — the lines of the yacht herself. 

Drury (with a laugh) . How artistic tastes do differ ! 
The point of greatest beauty to my mind, as I gazed at 
that craft, was the bow, where the blue water turned 
white as she pushed it aside. Didn't that appeal most to 
you, Miss Linden? 

Marg. (shaking her head with a smile). Still an- 
other difference in artistic taste, I'm afraid. The pretti- 
est sight to me was at the stern — on that bronze-topped 
mast — the American flag! 

Drury (laughing). Indeed! I'm sure that's com- 
mendable spirit ! (Enter Felton and Everton from the 
hall, followed by Lawrence and Steele.) Oh, here is 
Mr. Barrington now. (He turns to Steele.) Is every- 
thing ready for the test, Mr. Barrington? I mean the 
machine and all? 

Steele (glancing at him quickly). Why — yes. We 
are quite ready, I believe. Dr. Treadwell is resting in 
the living-room. 

Ruth. He doesn't seem at all well to-day. Haven't 
you noticed it, Mr. Lawrence? (She hesitates.) I'm 
terribly worried about — something — and I don't know 
what it is ! 
• Law. You mustn't worry, Ruth. 

Steele. No, indeed, Miss Treadwell. I assure you 
that everything will go just as he has planned it. 

Ruth. Everything, Mr. Barrington? 

Steele. Yes — everything. 

(She stares at him an instant.) 
Ruth. Oh, Mr. — Mr. Barrington, I have the strangest 



4-2 THE AIR-SPY 

feeling when you look at me ! I know I was somewhere 
once where I saw — some one — with eyes that were ex- 
actly like yours ! 

Muriel. Why, Ruth ! Where was it ? 

Ruth. Oh, it was — somewhere ! I can't remember ! 
But there was a crowd, and — and shouting. 

Drury {thoughtfully). And shouting! Why — how 
strange ! 

Law. Do you know, Ruth — I've often felt exactly the 
same way, myself, about Mr. Barrington. Can't you pos- 
sibly remember where this was? 

Ruth. Oh ! Arthur, do you remember the baseball 
game at Green's Falls last summer, when you played 
center-field for our team? Don't you remember the 
umpire, who called you out on strikes — and you were so 
angry? Why, he was some well-known man, or some- 
thing! But who was he? 

Mer. {hurriedly). Why — it No! Why — why, 

Ruth, of course it wasn't — why — Mr. Barrington couldn't 
have been there ! 

Ruth. But who was that umpire? 

Mer. Oh! {He laughs.) You mean Mayor Harris, 
of 

Felton. Of course it wasn't Mayor Harris, Art ! It 
was a well-known man from 

Mer. Hal, you're crazy ! I can remember that game 
just as plainly as if it happened yesterday! And I 
wouldn't be likely to forget that umpire, after the two 
strikes he /called on me in the eighth inning ! Gosh ! I 
was peeved! I forgot all about his being the mayor! 
{He laughs.) I told him he couldn't tell a strike from 
an ice-cream freezer! 

Ruth. But, Mr. Barrington, please tell me ! Weren't 
you there? 

{They all turn to Steele.) 

Steele {slowly). Why, Miss'Treadwell, I'm sorry 
3^ou've made me display my lack of baseball knowledge 
in any such public manner as this. {He laughs.) But 
I'm afraid, as a baseball umpire, I'd be one screaming 
success! Why— between strikes and foul pitches and 



THE AIR-SPY 



43 



foul singles and what-not, I would simply be lost, from 
the first whistle ! 

Ruth {shaking with laughter). Whistle! In base- 
ball ! That settles it, Mr. Barrington ! You weren't that 
"umpire! 

(The others laugh.) 

Ever. Er — Miss Treadwell, I had completely for- 
gotten this ! I wonder if you eyer learned the signifi- 
cance of this old bow and quiver on the wall. 

Ruth. Oh, yes ! We have inquired about that. I 
believe the story is that it has been in the possession of 
the owners of this house for years and years. 

Ever. How wonderful ! 

(Drury examines the quiver with interest, and with- 
draws one of the arrows for an instant.) 

Ruth. Oh, do be careful, Mr. Drury ! Those arrows ! 
According to old Mr. Haskell's story, those were taken 
from the ancient Indians in South America, and they 
were prepared with a deadly poison. That's the story, 
isn't it, Mother? 

Mrs. Tread. So every one tells us. A frightful 
poison, too ! They say that a watch-dog here, about ten 
years ago, was scratched by one of those arrows, and died 
almost instantly! 

Muriel. Goodness ! 

Ever. How shocking! 

Drury (with a laugh). In that case, I don't believe I 
care to handle them ! 

(He replaces the arrow in the quiver.) 

Mrs. Tread. But, friends, let's have some cool re- 
freshments in the living-room, before it's time to start 
for the shore to see the test. 

Ruth. That's a good suggestion. (She turns to Mer- 
rill. ) Too bad, Arthur, that you can't come with us ! 

(They start toward the hall door.) 

Muriel. You're going to wait here, too, Mr. Bar- 
rington ? 

Steele (turning to her). I think I had better, Miss 



44 THE AIR-SPY 

Lawrence. Oh — pardon me! But that is an extraor- 
dinarily wonderful chrysanthemum which you are wear- 
ing. 

Muriel. Isn't it splendid? 

Steele. It certainly is ! You were wearing it when 
you first came here day before yesterday, and it still 
seems as fresh as ever. (He turns to the window. The 
others, except Merrill, go out. Steele turns slowly 
to face Merrill.) Yes, indeed; it's quite astonishing 
about that flower. The thing is dead, and it's still giving 
off a remarkable fragrance ! 

Mer. Hm! Something like the big haddock I found 
on the beach this morning ! (Steele, laughs.) But, Mr. 
Steele ! Is — is everything all right ? 

Steele (slowly). I'm afraid not! 

Mer. You found out last night who Number 99 is ? 

Steele. Oh, yes ! I found out ! 

Mer. You don't think he suspects you are tricking 
him? 

Steele. I'm almost certain that he does ! 

Mer. Christopher! That's bad! You know what 
he'll do if he finds out! Your life won't be worth two 
cents here ! 

Steele. I know that! But, Merrill, I had to spend 
the. whole morning in that shed. I must know what 
happened in the house. 

Mer. Oh ! Dr. Treadwell searched the house from 
cellar to attic, and failed to find the stolen combination. 
Failed absolutely ! But he found an automatic generator 
of chlorine gas — a small glass instrument, with a rubber 
bulb at one end — which was used by the thief in suffocat- 
ing us last night ! . 

Steele. Oh ! He found the generator ! 

Mer. Yes ! In Number 99's overcoat pocket ! 
-Steele (startled). Where ? 

Mer. In Francis Drury's overcoat! 

Steele. Ha! (It is an explosive exclamation.) 

Mer. This will mean that you 

Steele. Wait a minute! What has Dr. Treadwell 
done about this ? 

Mer. He is going to accuse Drury openly, before the 



THE AIR-SPY 45 

test to-day. If you want my opinion, he'd better keep an 
eye on that Miss Linden, who has been spending her time 
with Drury in the garden. And, Mr. Steele, another 
thing! (He points to the room at l.) Dr. Treadwell 
has been keeping a bottle of poison in the closet in that 
room. It 

Steele. Poison ! 

Mer. Yes, to kill the rats in the kitchen. Terrible 
rats here, all summer. Well, that bottle has disappeared ! 
And it's deadly poison ! 

Steele. Hmm ! 

Mer. You know what that may mean ! If you think 
Number 99 has suspected you — watch out! Don't eat 
or drink one thing until after that test ! 

Steele. I will watch out! Now! Where is the 
closet where that stuff was kept ? 

Mer. (pointing to the door at l.). In that room. 

Steele. Then I guess Sh ! I'll have a look in 

there. 

(Exit Steele, to the room at l. Enter Lawrence 
from r.) 

Law. Arthur ! 

Mer. Yes, Mr. Lawrence. What is it? 

Law. You saw what we found this morning, and 
where we found it? 

Mer. Yes ! 

Law. Now, that shows that there is one spy in this 
house. There may be another. What were you dis- 
cussing with Barrington just now? 

Mer. Barrington ! You don't suspect 

Law. Never mind what I suspect ! What were you 
discussing with Barrington? 

Mer. Why, I — we were talking about (He 

hesitates.) Say, Mr. 

Law. What were you talking about just now? 

Enter Mrs. Treadwell and Ruth, followed by Muriel, 
Margaret, Felton, Drury, and Everton. Ruth 
is carrying a tray with a number of filled glasses. J 

Ruth. This is in honor of you, Arthur. 



46 THE AIR-SPY 

Mrs. Tread. We hated to leave you all alone here. 
But we must keep our promise, and hurry right back, 
Ruth, if we want your father to tell us his plans for the 
flight. 

(Ruth sets the tray upon the table. She and Muriel 
then pass the glasses. There is one left over. 
Muriel takes the tray with the extra glass, and starts 
toward the hall door.) 

Muriel. I'll take this to Dr. Treadwell. 

Mrs. Tread. But I don't believe he'll care for it, 
Muriel. - 

Drury (quickly). Oh, where is Mr. Barrington? 
It would seem that he deserves refreshments more than 
any of us. 

Ruth. He was here a minute ago. 

Mer. He'll be right back, Miss Lawrence ; he's in the 
next room. 

Muriel. Then we'll leave this one for him. (She 
turns to Everton, who has already drunk the contents 
of his glass. ) I wonder if you'd be kind' enough to place 
this on the table for Mr. Barrington, while I ask Dr. 
Treadwell if he won't join us. 

(She hands him the glass from the tray.) 

Ever. Oh — er — simply delighted, Miss Lawrence! 
Er — greatly honored to be able to be of service, you know ! 

(He ventures to look at her.) 

Muriel (laughing) . You seem to admire my chrysan- 
themum, Mr. Everton ! 

Ever. Oh — er — yes — er — pardon me ! I — er — I didn't 
mean to stare at you! I positively didn't mean to! I — 
er — I 

(Words fail him. In nervous agitation he turns away, 
and stares desperately around the room for another 
topic of discussion. Failing to find any, he proceeds 
to drink the contents of Steele's glass. There is an 
outburst of laughter.) 

Muriel (laughing convulsively). Oh, Mr. Everton! 



THE AIR -SPY 



47 



You've drunk every drop of it ! What will poor Mr. 
Barrington do? 

(Everton gives a start of dismay, and stares at the 
two empty glasses in his hands. Another general 
laugh. ) 

Ever. Oh — upon my word ! I'm everlastingly sorry, 
Miss Lawrence ! 

Muriel. What shall I do ? 

Ruth. We'll have to get him another! 

Drury {coming forward quickly). Can't I get it, 
Miss Lawrence? 

Muriel. Oh, thank you, Mr. Drury! But I know 
just where it is. [Exit to the hall. 

Ever. You know, I'm horribly sorry to have caused 
all this trouble! 

Drury. But, Miss Linden, you aren't drinking with 
us. You don't seem very well. 

Mrs. Tread, {quickly). Why, yes, Miss Linden. 
What is the trouble ? Do you feel ill ? 

Marg. {quickly). Oh, no. I'm all right, thank you. 
I — feel a little tired. 

{She seats herself at one end of the table, and sets 
down her untouched glass before her. Enter 
Muriel, with the glass for Steele. She sets it 
on the other end of the table.) 

Muriel. There. {She laughs.) That is for Mr. 
Barrington, Mr. Everton! 

Ever. You know, I wouldn't have caused you so much 
trouble for the world ! I'm everlastingly 

Marg. {half rising quickly). Oh, see there! {She 
points out the window.) That can't be any ordinary 
yacht ! 

{They all turn quickly to the window, and peer out. 
At the same instant Steele enters from the room 
at l. He stops abruptly. The others, except Mar- 
garet, have gathered at the window, with their backs 
toward him. Margaret, still seated at the table, is 
also facing the window. Steele stands silently in 
the doorway and stares. His eyes are not turned 



48 THE AIR-SPY 

toward the window, but toward Margaret. And as 
he stares, his expression changes to stunned amaze- 
ment and consternation. For, at the instant when 
the attention of all the others is centered on the 
passing craft, Margaret leans forward quickly and 
exchanges Steele's glass for her own. It is done 
in a second, and the two glasses are apparently the 
same as before.) v 

Ever, (at the window) . I say, that's a rapid craft ! 

Ruth. Isn't it? 

Mer. Oh, it's a Government boat ! 

Felton. By Jove ! It is fast ! 

Drury (turning). That is the third, isn't it, Miss 
Linden? (He catches sight of Steele standing in silence 
in the doorway.) Why, Mr. Barrington! You quite 
startled me ! 

(The others turn.) 

Ever. Oh ! Here is Mr. Barrington ! 
Drury. Come in. We have saved a cool drink for 
you. It is a hot day to pilot an air-craft. 

(Steele comes forward slowly. His expression is 
that of a man who has seen the bottom crumble out 
of everything in the world. Drury takes the glass 
from the end of the table, and hands it to him.) 

Steele (slowly). Thank you, Mr. Drury. 
Muriel (laughing). Quickly, Mr. Barrington! I'm 
afraid Mr. Everton has' his eye upon that! 

(Another laugh at Everton's expense.) 

Ever. Oh — er — Miss Lawrence ! I beg you ! 

Steele (rather puzzled). Mr. Everton has his eye 
on it? (He smiles, and indicates the glass in his hand.) 
On this? 

Ruth. I'm afraid we'd embarrass Mr. Everton ter- 
ribly if we should tell you the joke ! You must tell him 
later, Arthur! 

Mer. By Jove, I will ! 

Mrs. Tread. But, Ruth, we mustn't keep your father 



THE AIR-SPY 49 

waiting any longer. I wish you could come, too, Arthur, 
and hear where he intends to fly to-day. 

Steele. Why, Mrs. Treadwell, I'd be very glad to 
wait here, while Merrill goes and hears what is planned. 
I've been rehearsing that program every day for a week, 
you know. (He sets his glass upon the table again.) 

Mrs. Tread. That would be very kind of you. Then 
Arthur can come with us. 

Mer. Thanks, awfully, Mr. Barrington. 

Drury. But, really, Mr. Barrington, don't you feel- 
well? 

Steele (in surprise). Well? 

Drury. Why — why, yes. You seem unusually pale. 

Steele. Why, I — I'm sure I hadn't noticed anything 
out of the ordinary. (He strolls to the window.) I'll 
take good care of the place for you, Merrill. 

(They start out.) 

Muriel. Aren't you coming, Margaret? 
Marg. I'd love to, Muriel. But I— I'm so tired. 
Ruth. Then you just sit still and rest till we come 
back ! 

(They all go out into the hall, except Margaret, who 

remains seated at the table. Steele stands facing 

the window.) 

Marg. Won't you— sit down, Mr. Barrington? 
Steele (turning). Why, Miss Linden, perhaps I 

(He hesitates. His eyes search her face for an instant. 
She meets his gaze steadily.) 

Marg. (lowering her voice). Malcome, they have all 
gone. Do come and sit down. You seem tired, and— 
and not at all like yourself. (He crosses the room slowly, 
but he does not seat himself, nor answer her. She is 
puzzled.) Don't you feel well? 

Steele (slowly). Why — not especially. 

Marg. I'm sorry. You must be all worn out — here 
in the midst of this, so long. (Again Steele says noth- 
ing. He is staring down at the glass on the table before 
him.) Don't you think a cool drink might — help you to 
feel better? (Steele stares at the table, and does not 



50 THE AIR-SPY 

reply. His gaze seems centered far beyond the objects 
in the room — into the past, which has meant so much to 
Margaret and him. Margaret smiles up at him.) 
Hadn't you better try it ? 

Steele (very slowly). But I'm not at all thirsty. 
You don't seem to care for it, either. 

(He glances at the full glass before her.) 

Marg. (quietly). I'm too tired. And I have a ter- 
rible headache. It wouldn't be wise for me to take it. 
(Steele's eyes meet hers again.) I know it would help 
you feel better. 

(Steele slowly takes the glass from the end of the 
table.) 

Steele. You're — quite — sure — that it — would? 
Marg. (smiling into his eyes again). Quite — sure! 

(Steele raises his glass and drinks. And as he does 
it, Margaret bends over the table, and buries her 
head in her hands. Tableau curtain for one minute 
only. ) 



SCENE 2. — The same. An hour later. 

(Merrill is on guard before the construction-shed 
door. Drury is standing at the window, gazing out. 
Enter Ruth and Margaret.) 

Ruth. Arthur, where is Mr. Barrington? 

Mer. (quickly). Where is he? Why — I don't know! 

Ruth. Oh, dear! There is only a half hour more 
before they must start the flight, and no one has the least 
idea where he is ! You haven't seen him, have you, Miss 
Linden ? 

Marg. No. I haven't. 

Mer. I saw him right here, just before I came back 
on watch. But I — why, come to think of it, I haven't 
seen him since ! 

Ruth. Mother is terribly worried ! Just think what 
would happen if they couldn't start on time ! You don't 
know where he is, Mr, Drury? 



THE AIR-SPY 51 

Drury. Why, I — I don't. I certainly haven't seen 
him since we went into the living-room with Dr. Tread- 
well. 

Mer. (worried). Say! We'd better look for him 
right away ! 

Ruth. But, Arthur, we've all been looking for him ! 
Father and Mr. Lawrence have been all over the house, 
and the veranda, and everywhere. They've asked Harold 
Felton to see if he is at the shore. 

Enter Muriel. 

Muriel. Isn't this terrible ! What will poor Dr. 
Treadwell do? 

Mer. What have you found out? 

Muriel. Why, we haven't found anything! Father 
and I went up to Mr. Barrington's room, with Mrs. 
Treadwell. Mr. Barrington has locked his door, and has 
taken the key out of the lock. He isn't in there — for we 
knocked a dozen times ! 

Mer. (in alarm). Say, really, we ought to force open 
that door, and see where he is ! Ruth, please call Harold ! 

Enter Mrs. Treadwell, in great haste. 

Mrs. Tread. Ruth, what has become of your father? 

Ruth (in astonishment). Of father! Why, he was 
outside, hunting for Mr. Barrington ! I left him on the 
veranda. 

Muriel. Isn't he there now? 

Mrs. Tread. No ! He isn't ! Now he has disap- 
peared, too ! Oh, this is terrible ! 

(She is almost in despair.) 

Mer. But, Mrs. Treadwell, the doctor is all right. I 
know where he is ! 

Mrs. Tread. Oh, are you sure ? 

Mer. Why, of course I am ! He came in here from 
the veranda about fifteen minutes ago. He was search- 
ing for some one ; I suppose it was Mr. Barrington. All 
of a sudden he seemed to remember something. He gave 
an exclamation, and opened the door of the shed here, 
and went in. 



52 THE AIR-SPY 

Mrs. Tread, (in relief). Oh! In the construction- 
shed ! 

(The door to the shed opens suddenly. Enter Tread- 
well, followed by Steele. Both are dressed in 
flying costume. Treadwell closes the shed door 
behind them, and whirls the combination.) 

Mer. Barrington, too ! 

(Treadwell turns to those in the room.) 

Tread. I think, friends, in view of what Mr. — Bar- 
rington has just told me, it will be necessary to call every 
member of our household to this room at once. 

Mrs. Tread. Henry ! What does this mean ? 

Tread. I'm sorry, Ellen, but I can't explain any- 
thing yet. We must summon them all at once. (He 
turns to Steele.) If you will kindly wait here with 
the others, I will bring them. 

Steele. Certainly, Dr. Treadwell. 

Tread. Thank you. I'll be as quick as I possibly can. 

[Exit Treadwell, to the hall. 

Ruth. Mr. Barrington, we've been terribly worried 
about you! 

Steele. I'm very sorry to have caused so much in- 
convenience. But I'm afraid I'll have to ask you all to 
wait with Mr. Merrill, in the next room, until Dr. Tread- 
well returns. (He indicates the room at l.) 

Mrs. Tread. But, Mr. Barrington 

Steele. I'm sorry, but we can't explain anything for 
the present. JMerrill, if you are ready — — 

Mer. Of course! 

(He turns and follows the others into the room at l. 
Steele closes the door after them,. He crosses and 
closes the hall door. He goes quickly to the veranda 
door, knocks upon it four times, and waits. The 
door opens. Gootner enters, and recloses it.) 

Steele. You wanted to have a look at this room 
before the test, you said. 

Goot. Ja. I must make certain that everything is 
ready. Schoneman and Muller have landed on the east 
shore. They are hiding there now, awaiting the time. 



THE AIR-SPY 53 

There must be no slip. {He goes quickly to the shed 
door, and examines it.) You identified Number 99 by 
the cigar test last night ? 

Steele. Yes ! i , 

Goot. And he stole the combination? 

Steele. Yes ! 

Goot. He has it ready now ? 

Steele. Yes ! 

Goot. Sehr gut ! Make certain that nothing can go 
wrong. We will come in at your signal. Is the machine 
ready for starting, with the bomb attached? 

Steele. Yes! But wait! How is it, Gootner, that 
you have been able to communicate with Schoneman 
during the past two days when you were not able to do 
so before? 

Goot. Don't you understand? It is Number 99 who 
does it. He has the code-book with him. 

Steele. Oh! I see! Well— I .think that's all. 
Good luck ! 

Goot. {turning to door). Gluck auf, Herr Barring- 
ton t [Exit to veranda. 

(Steele crosses to the door at l., and opens it.) 

Steele. All ready, Merrill ! {He returns to the hall 
door, and opens it.) Ready, Dr. Treadwell! 

Enter Merrill, Mrs. Treadwell, Ruth, Muriel, Mar- 
garet, and Drury from l. Enter Treadwell, 
Felton, Everton, and Lawrence from r. The 
ladies take chairs at the right of the room. Merrill, 
Felton, Everton, Lawrence, and Drury stand 
near them. Treadwell stands near the table in c. 
In his hand he holds a peculiarly shaped glass instru- 
ment, with a rubber bulb at one end. Steele closes 
the door at l., and stands alone at that end of the 
room. 

Tread. Friends, I have neither the time nor the 
inclination to waste words. I shall make clear at once 
why we have called you together. {He pauses.) It is 
my unpleasant duty to tell you that we have done so m 
order to arrest one of our guests, who is a traitor, and 



54 THE AIR-SPY 

a spy ! {Spellbound, they all watch him. Treadwell 
holds up the glass object in his hand.) I believe you "have 
all seen this object, and learned its use. It is a generator 
of chlorine gas. It works mechanically, and liberates the 
gas when the bulb is pressed. This contrivance was used 
by the thief last night when he overcame the three men in 
this room and stole the combination. {He sets the gen- 
erator on the table.) When these men were suffocated 
here last night, every door into this room was locked ex- 
cept one. The hall door there {pointing to R.) was 
locked. The veranda door {pointing) was also locked. 
The door from this room behind me was the only pos- 
sible means of entering this room at that time. "That is 
correct, isn't it, Victor? 

Law. Precisely. 

Tread. Now, when the theft was made, all of us, with 
the exception of the three men whom I left guarding this 
room — and with the exception of one other — were to- 
gether in the living-room. Only one of the people in 
our number could possibly have been in this other part 
of the house. {He points toward the room at l.) Isn't 
that the obvious truth, Victor? 

Law. It is the absolute fact, Henry. Last night, 
friends, some one stole through the dining-room to that 
door where Barrington is now, suffocated Arthur Merrill, 
Harold Felton, and me, with gas from the contrivance on 
the table, and stole Dr. Treadwell's combination. Who 
was it? Who is the only possibility? We desire justice, 
friends, and we must have it ! 

Drury {with a start) . Mr. Lawrence, if you mean to 
insinuate 

Tread. Silence, if you please, Mr. Drury ! I will con- 
tinue ! This morning Victor and I made a careful search 
of the entire house, in the effort to recover the stolen 
combination. We did not find the combination, but we 
found that chlorine generator which is on the table. And 
we found this contrivance, friends, in the pocket of Mr. 
Francis Drury* s overcoat! 

Drury {with a violent start). In my overcoat! Of 
course it wasn't there ! I never saw the thing in my 
life ! 



TH.E AIR-SPY 55 

Tread. I'm sorry to have to say that Mr Lawrence 
and Harold Felton were both on hand when I found it. 

Law This means that you are an impostor Mi. 
Drurv-a spy ! You've come here as a friend, and have 
faken advantage of Dr. Treadwell's hospitality to attempt 

t0 S";Lt) ra That's a he! A lie, I tell you! I 
left the living-room last night to get the picture which 
you wished tosee ! I was never near this room II never 
saw That generator in my life I It's a damnable lie I 

Tread Mr. Drury, we can't waste time now! You 
stokthat combination 3 ; beyond the least shadow do „ b 
You were the only person who could possibl .have ^lett 
the living-room. Arthur, we'll call Corpoial inayer, 

"^RfSXT 1 No! No! No! I'll swear it be- 
fore eve'y 2 of you ! I was never near this room when 
the theft was made last night ! . 

Law. A remarkable story, Mr. Drury! 

Steele (from his place by the door at l.). but it 
happens to be true, in every particular ! 

(Treadwell turns in astonishment.) 

Tread, (aghast). But, Mr. ■ 

Law Barringtom what do you mean by this? Mei- 

rill attend to Dr. Treadwell's orders ! 

Me" (hesitating). But if Mr. Barnngton says — 
Law. Never mind what Barrington says! Attend to 

your orders, and call those soldiers ! 

(Merrill starts to the door.) 

Steele. We'll not call them yet, Merrill ! 
Law. (enraged). Merrill, do as you were told ! That 
man has no right to be giving you orders ! 

Steele (sharply). I have more right than you, Mr. 
Lawrence ! 

(Lawrence whirls around in rage, and fairly shouts 

across the room at Steele.) 
Law. What are you here for, anyway you black- 
guard? Attend to your business.and let -Merrill alow. 
Tread (striding forward in indignation) . A httle 



56 THE AIR-SPY 

more respectfully, Victor ! You are talking to Inspector 
Malcome Steele, of the American Secret Service ! 

(Cries of astonishment from all.) 

Law. (starting back). Inspector Steele! 

Mrs. Tread. And you have been here three months ! 

Steele. That is the truth, Mrs. Treadwell. A little 
over three months ago I succeede4 in getting into the 
American Division of the German Secret Service under 
the name of Wilfred Barrington. (Exclamations.) I 
learned almost immediately of a German plot to commit 
a frightful crime while Dr. Treadwell was trying out his 
new airship on this island. I was told to come here as 
Dr. Treadwell's assistant, and to communicate with a 
mysterious Spy Number 99, who would be here as a guest 
last evening. I've waited months and months for just 
such a chance as this. Ever since the beginning of the 
war we have known that there has been a master spy 
working, with great success, in New England. All our 
previous efforts toward locating him have been in vain. 
But now I have him! I have caught the man who has 
been selling secrets from New England! I have caught 
Spy Number 99 ! 

Felton. Then arrest him, Mr. Steele, and get back 
the combination ! 

Tread. Of course we'll arrest him! Arthur, tell 
Corporal Thayer to bring the handcuffs for Drury this 
instant ! 

(Merrill starts forward again.) 

Steele. No! (He pauses.) We will not arrest Mr. 
Drury ! 

(There is an instant of tense silence. The men in the 
group at the right end of the room instinctively draw 
closer together. One of them has edged his way 
close to the wall.) 

Tread. But, Inspector Steele! Why not? 

(A short pause. Steele is still standing near the 
door at l.) 

Steele. I'll tell you why not! Because he isn't the 



THE AIR-SPY 



57 



man who broke open that desk last night ! He didn't 
answer to the German countersign ! He isn't Spy Num- 
ber 99 ! He doesn't carry a chlorine generator in his vest 
pocket instead of a cigar-case! He doesn't use a hand- 
kerchief that has been saturated with weak ammonia ! 
He isn't carrying a German code-book in his pocket! 
He doesn't combine flowers and stolen papers ! He 
doesn't take advantage of a young Englishman's eccen- 
tricities — to poison afternoon refreshments for the man 

who has learned his guilty secret ! Dr. Treadwell 

Marg. (in mortal terror) . Oh — look! Lookout! 

(Like a flash Steele whirls toward the men at the 
other end of the room, and instantly throws himself 
to the floor upon his hands and knees. Almost 
simidtaneously there is a loud twang from the midst 
of the group of men. A long, brown object darts 
across the room. There is a resounding thud as the 
poisoned arrow buries its point on the door — just 
back of where Steele's head had been. A cry of 
horror from Mrs. Treadwell, and startled ex- 
clamations from the men. Like magic the little 
group draws away on either side, leaving exposed in 
the center a tall man — his face distorted with rage 
and desperation. In his left hand he still clutches 
the old bow which has shot the deadly arrow at 
Steele's head. Steele is on his feet in an instant, 
pointing an accusing finger at the guilty man.) 

Steele. There's the man ! Victor Lawrence ! 

Tread, (in horror). Victor! 

Steele. You are the traitor, Mr. Lawrence ! You are 
the one who has come in the guise of friendship to murder 
your nation's leaders ! You've tried to incriminate an 
innocent man ! You've been at work in New England 
for years — with your accomplice — Muriel Lawrence ! 

Ruth (starting). Muriel! 

Law. This is false! I defy you to prove it! 

Steele. Oh, very well, Mr. Lawrence ! Then per- 
haps you can explain why you answered correctly to the 
German countersign — why, when you tasted hydrogen 
sulphide in the cigar test, you said the words : " This 



58 THE AIR-SPY 

is abominable, sir! I smoked that thing as a favor to 
you ! I notice you took care not to smoke the putrid 
stuff ! " Perhaps you can explain why Arthur Merrill 
and Harold Felton were not able to hear any thief ap- 
proaching this room last evening ! Perhaps you can also 
explain why your daughter is now carrying the stolen 
combination inside her cherished chrysanthemum! 

(Muriel has stealthily unpinned her chrysanthemum, 
and has edged over toward the fireplace. At 
Steele's open accusation she gives a violent start. 
The large flower slips, and falls to the floor at her 
feet. A small, crumpled blue paper rolls out from 
inside. ) 

Tread. Good Heavens ! The combination ! 

Steele. Exactly ! {He steps forward, picks up the 
blue wad of paper, and unfolds it in his hand. It is a 
blue slip about the size of an ordinary envelope.) And 
now, Mr. Lawrence, I'll trouble you for the code-book in 
your pocket! (Lawrence stands defiant, without an- 
szvering. ) Get it, Merrill ! 

(Merrill steps forward and searches the pockets of 
Lawrence's coat. He drazvs out several letters, a 
pocketbook, and a small diary.) 

Mer. I don't find it ! 
Steele. What is that diary? 

(Merrill opens it. A gasp from Muriel.) 

Mer. By Jove ! The German code ! 

{He hands the book to Steele. It is apparently a 
black diary, about six inches by four.) 

Steele. That's it! That's all we need! Now, you 
and Felton go out at once, and summon the soldiers on 
the beach. Tell Corporal Thayer to wait outside at the 
end of the veranda until I open this door and call. Is 
that clear? 

Mer. I understand. We'll do it! 

{Exit Merrill to the hall, followed by Felton.) 
Tread. Victor ! After our friendship ! 



THE AIR-SPY 



59 



Mrs. Tread. Muriel ! I have loved and treated you 
as a daughter! 

Tread. But, Mr. Steele ! I don't see how he could 
have done it ! 

Steele. I'll show you how he did it ! Throughout 
the whole of last evening he had the chlorine generator 
concealed in a specially arranged vest pocket. When you 
asked him to keep watch here for you with Merrill and 
Felton he saw his chance. Merrill says that Mr. Law- 
rence suddenly sprang up, and cried out that he heard 
some one approaching the room. Neither Merrill nor 
Felton could hear anything, for there was nothing to 
hear ! There was no one approaching this room ! Law- 
rence pretended to be in fear. He locked that hall door 
and the veranda door to prevent interference. Then, 
while apparently resisting an attack upon this other door, 
he suffocated his two companions by means of gas from 
his hidden contrivance. (Exclamations.) Then, after 
his daughter had turned out the lights from the hall at 
his signal, he himself crossed the room and committed 
the theft ! 

Mrs. Tread. But why wasn't he, too, overcome by 
the gas ? 

Steele. Because he carried a handkerchief which 
had been saturated with weak ammonia, which counter- 
acts the effects of chlorine. He was choking with that 
handkerchief over his mouth when we found him on the 
floor. 

Drury. And about that generator in my overcoat 
pocket ? 

Steele. He put it there ! He knew that he must 
throw suspicion upon some one in the house. You hap- 
pened to be away from the others at the time, and sus- 
picion would naturally fall upon you. (Steele quickly 
takes the black code-book from the table.) Here! This 
is the last bit of evidence against him. Here, on page 
twelve of this German code-book, are his notes, scribbled 
as he coded his last message to Schoneman. (Reads.) 
" Have been with Treadwell two days. Combination is 
in desk drawer in side. room. '. Can obtain it as soon as 
440 communicates. At what time will " 



60 T,HE AIR-SPY 

(The veranda door bursts open.) 

Schon. Hands up, Steele ! 

(He dashes in, followed by Muller and Gootner. 
Steele stares into the muzzle of Schoneman's 
pistol. Gootner points a weapon at Treadwell's 
head. Muller turns his gun upon the others, who 
draw back in horror toward the window. Schone- 
man reaches backward and closes the veranda door.) 

Goot. Put up your hands, Treadwell ! Put them up ! 

(Tread well obeys.) 

Schon. It's all right, Herr Lawrence! We turn the 
tables on friend Steele, that's all ! A little inconvenience, 
this, but it really won't bother us any ! 

(He gives a harsh laugh. Treadwell starts in terror.) 

Law. The soldiers, Schoneman ! They are coming ! 

Schon. No, they're not! I heard you, Steele, when 
you told them to wait until you open this door and call ! 
(Another laugh.) My friend, you will not call them — 
very soon ! 

Muller (suddenly). Gott! The book in Steele's 
hand ! He has our code-book ! 

Schon. (startled). Ach ! It cannot be 

Law. It is ! He took it from me ! 

Sclion. Ha-ha ! A clever man — Herr Malcome 
Steele ! A bit too clever, I fear, nicht wahr ? We've got 
on to your little hospital game in Chicago ! (He chuckles, 
and keeps his gun pointed at Steele.) Throw that book 
on the table, and put up your hands. ( Steele glances at 
the black book in his hand. His finger has never left the 
place on page twelve.) Throw that on the table, as I 
ordered ! And put up your hands ! I'll give you just 
five seconds to obey ! 

Steele (slowly). It appears, Dr. Treadwell, that 
we'll have to postpone our explanation. 

(Reluctantly he half turns, and tosses the code-book 
onto the table. He raises his hands above his head. 
Muller pounces eagerly upon the code-book, and 
crams it into his pocket.) 



THE AIR-SPY 6 1 

Schon. (coming nearer to Steele). Now! Your 
friends the soldiers will soon be waiting at the end of the 
veranda for you to call. If you make one single attempt 
to signal them — if you take your hands from above your 
head for one-half second — they'll need a new Inspector 
in your Secret Service! 

Tread, (in a voice hoarse with fear). What — what 
do you intend to do? 

Sci-ion. I will explain, Herr Doctor ! We are going 
to reverse the little program which you have planned for 
to-day ! We'll give the men of honor in the hotel balcony 
at Eastport a sample of your half-ton bombs — at close 
range ! 

Tread, (stunned with horror). My God! 

(Horrified exclamations.) 

Schon. We are going to fly over there now, Herr 
Doctor, in the wonderful machine which you have built. 
We are going to release the bomb which your airship 
carries — and release it a little before schedule! And 
neither you, Herr Doctor, nor you, Herr Steele, nor any 
one else in the world, can prevent it ! 

Tread. Victor ! Victor ! Stop him ! In the name 
of our friendship — in the name of Heaven — don't let him 
carry out this frightful scheme ! 

Schon. Enough of that ! He is not my commander; 
I am his. And we will fly — to Eastport ! Steele — I want 
the combination to that door ! ; 

Steele (quietly). You'll not get it! 

Schon. Ach ! We shall see ! Franz, I'll watch those 
people. Search him and find it ! 

(Muller darts forward and runs rapidly through 
Steele's pockets. He brings out a revolver.) 

Muller. You said it was a blue paper, Herr Law- 
rence ? 

Law. Yes! A blue slip. He has it! He took it 
"rom my daughter five minutes ago ! 

(The delay exasperates Schoneman.) 

Schon. Come, come, Franz! What are you doing? 
Muller. The paper is not on Steele ! 



62 THE AIR-SPY 

Law. It couldn't be anywhere else! He has never 
left the room! 

Schon. Of course it is on him! Search him again! 

(Muller obeys in haste.) 

Muller (in excitement) . Herr Schoneman ! He has 
not the combination ! 

Schon. Gott im Himmel ! You are mad, Franz 
Muller ! He took it from Fraulein Lawrence before the 
eyes of her father. He has not been near any one else 
nor left the room since. Ach ! Franz ! Will you hurry ? 
It is time for the flight ! The soldiers will not wait out- 
side for hours ! 

Muller (again giving up his search of Steele). The 
combination is not upon his person ! 

Schon. (in a frenzy). MeinGott! Come back here, 
Franz, and watch those people ! Don't let one of them 
move a step. I'll find that paper! (He crosses quickly 
to Steele, and levels his gun into the Inspector's face.) 
Hand over that combination! You have one second to 
give me that paper ! 

(But Steele stares back at him in silence.) 

Tread. If you've hidden it,« Mr. Steele, in Heaven's 
name, don't tell him where ! 

Muller (pointing suddenly to Margaret). That 
young woman nearest the window ! She's trying to give- 
a signal ! 

Law. Search that young woman ! Search her! She 
warned him when I shot the arrow ! t 

(Schoneman quickly examines Steele's revolver, and 
tosses it upon the table.) 

Schon. Fraulein Lawrence, take that ! Take her 
out and search her! 

Muriel. I will, Herr Schoneman! 
Ruth. Muriel ! 

(Without answering, Muriel takes the revolver,- and 
leads Margaret out into the hall.) 

Schon. Steele — that combination ! (Nearly wild, he 



THE AIR-SPY 63 

springs forward and searches Steele. He brings out a 
metal object, about eight inches in length.) What is this ? 
Steele. Haven't you ever seen a flash-light? 

(Schoneman tries to open it.) 

Schon. Open that ! 

Steele. May I — take down my hands? 

Schon. Of course ! Open that ! 

Steele (taking it slowly, and then handing it back to 
him). I'll have to decline, Herr Schoneman! 

Goot. Ach ! That is where it is ! Make him do it ! 

Schon. Open that flash-light, or you are dead! 
(Steele makes several unsuccessful attempts to unscrew 
it. At length he opens it. Schoneman seises it.) Bah! 
The thing is worthless! This is a trick to gain time, 
you rat ! Put up your hands again ! 

(He searches Steele once more.) 

Goot. It must be on him ! 

Law. It is on him ! He couldn't have swallowed it ; 
it is too big ! 

Schon. (straightening tip from his search). It is not 
on him ! 

Law. Then that Linden girl has it ! 

Muriel (entering, zvith Margaret). It is not upon 
her person ! 

Law. Great God! 

Schon. That paper is in this room ! If we don't find 
it within two minutes all our work to-day — all our work 
of months — is ruined ! Gott im Himmel ! Search the 
room ! Search the floor ! The walls ! If that table has 
a hollow space, break it to kindling! Turn over the 
chairs! (In frenzied haste, Muller, Gootner, and 
Lawrence obey, turning furniture upside down, and 
shouting baffled imprecations as they fail again and again. 
Schoneman stands guard by the veranda door, with his 
gun in readiness. It is all in vain. ) Herr Lawrence ! 
Here! Stand with your gun by this door! g (Schone- 
man springs forward to where Steele is standing.) You 
black snake, Steele! (He again points the gun at his 



64 THE AIR-SPY 

head.) Tell me where to find that paper,, or Fll blow 
your brains to kingdom come ! 

Steele {sharply). Oh, you will! A very effective 
way of bringing the soldiers, Herr Schoneman! 

(Schoneman fairly screams with rage as he turns 
away. ) 

Schon. That fireplace ! Drag out the ashes ! ( They 
scatter the ashes and half-burned logs in mad haste. It 
is in vain. In despair. ) Mein Gott im Himmel ! Is he 
human ? It is ruined ! Ruined ! 

Law. {suddenly) . That Linden girl ! Put the gun to 
her head, and Steele will tell ! 

Schon. {starting forward, gun in hand). Ach, gut, 
Herr Lawrence! Sehr gut! (Steele gives a slight 
start, and his hands clench. He takes a quick side step 
toward the table, and reaches behind him with his right 
hand.) Back, there! None of that! {He turns, and 
races toward him.) Put up your hands ! (Steele hesi- 
tates. One hand is still groping behind him.) Put up 
your hands — now ! 

Steele. With pleasure, Herr Schoneman! 

{His voice rings out in hard, sharp tones. His hands 
shoot above his head. There is a gleam of metal in 
his right hand. His zvrist then gives a quick snap.) 

Schon. {starting). A-ach! 

{With a desperate, catlike spring, Schoneman throws 
himself sidewise in an effort to intercept the missile 
which flies from Steele's hand toward the window. 
It speeds past the German's outstretched hand. 
There is a crash of shattered glass as the metal flash- 
light hurtles through the window-pane, and dis- 
appears onto the veranda. A second later — the 
sound of running footsteps on the veranda.) 

Tread. The soldiers ! Thank God ! We're saved ! 
Goot. {springing toward Steele). You die — you 
skunk ! 

{But Schoneman darts forward and strikes the gun 
from Gootner's hand.) 






THE AIR-SPY 65 

Sciion. Nein, Heinrich! None of that! (He re- 
covers Gootner's gun from the floor, and takes it in 
his hand with his own. The running steps draw nearer. 
With something approaching respect and admiration, 
Schoneman turns and hands both weapons to Steele., 
Slowly.) We can lose like — men, Herr Steele! 

(The veranda door is flung open. Corporal Thayer, 
Merrill, Felton, and Private Freeman rush into 
the room, with their guns ready for use. The cor- 
poral salutes Steele.) 

Thayer. You are ready for arrests, sir? 

Steele. We are ! Gootner, and these two other men. 
Also, Mr. Victor Lawrence, and his daughter, Muriel 
Lawrence. All except Gootner and this man here are 
armed. Please recover my revolver from Miss Lawrence. 

Thayer. Very well, sir. We'll take them outside at 
once, and call the guard. 

(He gives orders to his men, who march the five 
prisoners toward the door.) 

Steele. One moment, Muller! (They stop.) I'll 
have to trouble you for that code-book! (Muller 
sullenly draws it from his pocket, and lays it upon the 
table.) I think that's all. 

Schon. Herr Steele! One thing! (Steele turns.) 
Would you — tell me — how you — did it? 

Steele (with a Utile laugh). I'm afraid that's im- 
possible, Herr Schoneman. (He goes slowly to the 
table.) Dr. Treadwell, we'll now finish the reading of 
Mr. Lawrence's code message to Schoneman. 

Tread. But, Mr. Steele! Mr. Steele!, That com- 
bination ! 

(The soldiers wait in the room for Steele's reply.) 

Steele {picking up the code-book which Muller has 
just surrendered). I was reading, Doctor 

Tread. But wait ! That blue slip ! In the name of 
all that's superhuman, where did you put it ? 

Steele (with another little laugh). Oh — that? 
(Slowly he opens the black code-book to page twelve, and 



66 THE AIR-SPY 

withdraws a small blue object from betzveen the pages.) 
It. came in very handy — as a book-mark! 

(There is a gasp from every person in the room. As 
the soldiers lead their prisoners out into the hall, 
Schoneman hangs his head, and walks away in 
silence. Treadwell comes forward and grasps 
Steele's hand.) 

Tread. Mr. Steele — we all thank you! (He turns to 
the others.) We are ten minutes late for the test. 
You'll just have time to reach the shore to see us. 

(He sets the combination, and enters the shed. The 
others hurry out into the hall. Margaret remains.) 

Steele. Margaret! 

Marg. I've been waiting to tell you everything! I 
wanted to help you. I suspected Mr. Drury when I first 
came, so I tested him three times in the garden, until I 
found out that he knew nothing about the theft. 

Steele. Then you tried Muriel Lawrence. 

Marg. And she betrayed herself right at the start. 
She tried to poison you ! She asked Mr. Everton to set 
your glass upon the table, and then she talked to him — 
because she knew he would become embarrassed, and 
w T ould probably drink it himself. 

Steele. Oh, I see now ! That gave her a chance to 
get another glass for me. 

Marg. Yes ! She brought in a deadly poison. I 
didn't know what to do ! I knew she mustn't suspect that 
we had discovered her. So I changed my glass for your 
poisoned one. You — you must have seen me ! 

Steele. I did ! I didn't know — what to think ! 

Marg. It was the only way to do it unsuspected. 
After they left the room, Mr. Lawrence was watching 
you every instant from the hall. I knew you ought to 
drink it, or he would be suspicious. So I urged you to 
do it. And — and you did! (There is a little choke in 
her voice.) You drank it, when you «knew about the 
deadly poison! I — I never wanted to cry so much in my 
life as when I saw how you — trusted me ! 

Steele (taking her hands in his). Do you think any 



THE AIR-SPY 67 

poison in the world could be deadly enough to suit me — 
if I thought I Couldn't trust you? 

{The construction-shed door opens.) 

Tread. We're all ready to start out and show them! 
{He gives a little laugh.) Coming — Barrington? 
Steele. Coming, J)octor! 

{He kisses Margaret, and hurries into the shed with 
the doctor.) 



CURTAIN 



RED ACRE FARM 

A Rural Comedy Drama in Three Acts by Gordan V. May. Seven 
males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, one interior, one exte- 
rior. Plays two hours. An easy and entertaining play with a well-bal- 
anced cast of characters. The story is strong and sympathetic and the 
comedy element varied and amusing. Barnaby Strutt is a great part for 
a good comedian ; " Junior " a close second. Strongly recommended. 

Price, 25 cents 

THE COUNTRY MINISTER 

A Comedy Drama in Five Acts by Arthur Lewis Tubbs. Eight males g 
five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery not difficult. Plays a full even- 
ing. A very sympathetic piece, of powerful dramatic interest ; strong and 
varied comedy relieves the serious plot. Ralph Underwood, the minister, 
is a great part, and Roxy a strong soubrette ; all parts are good and full 
of opportunity. Clean, bright and strongly recommended. 

Price, 25 cents 

THE COLONEL'S MAID 

A Comedy in Three Acts by C. Leona Dalrymple. Six males, three 
females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. Plays a full even- 
ing. An exceptionally bright and amusing comedy, full of action ; all the 
parts good. Capital Chinese low comedy part ; two first-class old men. 
This is a very exceptional piece and can be strongly recommended. 

Price, 25 cent* 

MOSE 

r A Comedy in Three Acts by C. W. Miles, Eleven males, ten females. 
Scenery, two interiors ; costumes, modern. Plays an hour and a half. A 
lively college farce, full of the true college spirit. Its cast is large, but 
many of the parts are small and incidental. Introduces a good deal of 
singing, which will serve to lengthen the performance. Recommended 
highly for co-educational colleges. Price, ij cents 

OUR WIVES 

A Farce in Three Acts by Anthony E. Wills. Seven males, four fe- 
males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. Plays two hours and 
a half. A bustling, up-to-date farce, full of movement and action ; all 
the parts good and effective ; easy to produce ; just the thing for an ex- 
perienced amateur club and hard to spoil, even in the hands of less 
practical players. Free for amateur performance. Price, 25 cents 

THE SISTERHOOD OF BRIDGET 

A Farce in Three Acts by Robert El win Ford. Seven males, six fe- 
males. Costumes, modern; scenery, easy interiors. Plays two hours. 
An easy, effective and very humorous piece turning upon the always in- 
teresting servant girl question. A very unusual number of comedy parts; 
til the parts goo vl Easy to get up and well recommended. Price % 25 cents 



FOR COLLEGE THEATRICALS 

FORTUNE BY LAND AND SEA 

A Tragi-Comedy in Five Acts 
By Thomas Heywood and William Rowley 

An acting version arranged for the Annual Theatricals of the Harvard 

Chapter of Delta Upsilon for 1899 

By Janet Edmonson Walker 

Eighteen male, three female characters. Costumes, Elizabethan ; 
scenery, varied, but may easily be dispensed with, the piece being even 
advantaged by production under the conditions of its period. Intended to 
serve as a full evening's bill. This is one of the items of a considerable 
list of the productions of the Harvard Dramatic Club that were to have 
been announced but that were abandoned as an indirect consequence of 
the European war. The version offered has been acted with great suc- 
cess and is entirely competent material for similar experiments by other 
colleges and schools. The serious interest in drama study that is one of 
the most conspicuous features of the present educational scheme has 
originated a demand for acting material of real value, and we are fortu- 
nate to be able to answer to it with a piece of such high literary and his- 

Price, boards, 50 cents per copy 

CHARACTERS 

Old Forrest. Purser 1 .. 

Frank Forrest ] , . Clinton j * 

Young Forrest) nis sons ' Clown. 

Old Harding. Pursuivant. 

Philip, his eldest son, married to Host. 

Susan Forrest. Sailor. 

William ) 7 . Hangman. 

John \ his younger sons. Mrs Ann Harding> secmd 

Master Rainsforth, a quarrel- wife to Old Harding. 

some gentleman. Susan, daughter of Old Forrest* 

Goodwin ) friends to Rains- wife to Philip Harding. 

Foster ) forth. Bess, barmaid. 
A Merchant, brother to Mrs. 

Harding. Drawers, Officers, etc. 

TOO MUCH SALT 

A Comedy in One Act 
By G. S. Bryan 
Three male, three female characters. Costumes, modern ; scene, a 
simple interior. Plays twenty minutes. A young husband brings home a 
friend to dinner to find that the cook has left and his wife has cooked the 
dinner. A series of disasters brings about a state of war and upon the 
battle-field arrive the wife's uncle and aunt as reinforcements. A flank 
movement by Auntie's pet dog turns the day, and all ends well. A 
trifle that can be recommended. 

Price, rj cents 



CLOSE TO NATURE 

A Farce in Four Acts 

By Norman Lee Swartout 
Author of " The Arrival of Kitty," " Half-Back Sandy,** 
« One of the Eight," etc. 
Nine males, four females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, one interior 
and one exterior. Plays a full evening. Royalty for amateur perform- 
ance, $10.00 for one or $15.00 for two performances. Levasso Wellman, 
an unusually healthy individual, is persuaded by his wife, who has private 
reasons for the change connected with her daughter's engagement to the 
man of her mother's choice and the elimination of " the wrong man," to 
go to a remote health resort— Farm Springs. His experiences in this 
somewhat fraudulent institution are very funny and the defeat of mamma's 
matrimonial politics turns out all right for the daughter. Well recom- 
mended. Price, jo cents ^ 

CHARACTERS 

Lavasso Wellman, a lawyer. 

Ted, his small son. 

Doctor Boxill, Mrs. Wellman s brother. 

Clayton Holmes, a poor young man. 

Hugh Killroy, a rich young matt. 

Alonza K. Dewsnap, editor of a health magazine. 

Sidney Muirhead, a Canadian farmer. 

Jim Jarks, a backwoodsman. 

A Chauffeur. 

Mrs. Wellman. 

Barbara, Wellman s daughter. 

Carrie, a maid. 

Mrs. Muirhead. 

Mike, Ted's dog. 

The part of Ted, who is supposed to be nine years old, may be 
very effectively played by an older boy of small stature, by a girl 
or by a child. 

SYNOPSIS 

Act I. Mr. Wellman's Library, New York. An evening in June. 
Act II. Farm Spring Hotel, Canada. Two days later. 
Act III. Same as Act II. A few minutes later. 
Act IV. Same as Act I. Five days later. 

JACK'S BROTHER'S SISTER 

A Sketch in One Act 
By Pauline Phelps and Marion Short 
One male, one female. Costumes, modern ; scene, an interior. Plays 
twenty minutes. No royalty. Petunia, visiting her brother Jack in his 
college room, encounters his chum, who has never seen her, and falls 
under suspicion of being mixed up in some Junior-Senior politics. Their 
interview, complicated with a red skirt and a riding habit, is most in- 
geniously and amusingly conducted. Very bright and strongly recom- 
mended. 

Price, ij cents 



VAUDEVILLAINIES 

A Collection of Sketches for Use in Vaudeville 

By Harry L. Newton 

Comprising ten snappy twenty minute acts, many of which have been 
used one or more seasons by professional talent. 

Price ', 25 cents 

CONTENTS 

Chocolate Drops, 2 m. Then and Now, 1 m. 1 f. 

The Customs' Inspector, 2 m. The Third Degree— and Last, 1 m. 1 f. 

From Soup to Nuts, 2 m. A Call to Arms, 1 m. 1 f. 

Just Before the Battle, 1 m. 1 f. Her Second Time on Earth, 1 m. 1 f. 

Our Summer Boarder, 1 m. 1 f. Strenuous Mame, 1 m. 1 f. 

FUN ON THE BINGVILLE BRANCH 

An Entertainment in One Scene 
By Jessie A. Kelley 

Seventeen males, eighteen females. Scenery unimportant ; costumes, 
modern and eccentric. Plays about an hour. A very easy and funny pre- 
sentation of the humors of railway travel, full of laughs and chances for 
local hits. In the class with " Scenes in the Union Depot," " The Village 
Post-Office," etc. Strongly recommended. 

Price, 25 cents 

CHARACTERS 

Conductor. Frances Cross, small daughtet 
Brakeman. of Mrs. Cross. 

Newsboy. Alyse Parker \ .. ^ ., 

Mrs. Mistaken, who gets on the Maysie Richie \ matmee g ms - 

wrong train. Silas Noser, who has a nose. 

Mr. and Mrs. Alger, andbaby. Johnny Jackson, who asks ques- 
Mr. and Mrs. Levaggi | an lions. 

Tony, Mary and V Italian Mrs. Marston, who is taking 

Peter Levaggi ) family. Johnny with her. 

Mrs. Fussy, a rich woman, very Michael Murphy, who is polite. 

fussy. Israel Levitsky, who cannot 
Robert, her nephew, anxious to speak English. 

please. Mrs. Precise ) very prim 

Mame Jones \ , . -, Mrs. Mannerly j ladies. 

Liz Smith yowery gins. Mr> Smarty> who (ries to be 

Mrs. Mulligan, with her four funny. 

children. Mr. Austin, who feels rather 

Rube Hickey ) who are going cranky. 

Sal Sofer j to the circus. 'Rastus Jones, a darkey taking 
Edythe Ray \ high school his first ride. 
Pauline Porter J girls. Saul Cohen, an elderly Jew. 

Mrs. Cross. 

Neither the Levaggi nor the Mulligan children have any speaking part 
Some characters may be omitted if desired and some can take two or more 
parts, 9-s nearly all the parts are short and easy. The children's parts 
may be taken by adults dressed as children if desired. 



H. VJ. Pinero's Plays 

Price, SO getite eacb 



Min PH ANNFT £ lay in Four Acts - Six male8 . flv « females. 
mii/'Uinnnijii Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. 
Plays two and a half hours. 

THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH 5s™ fc,"K 

males, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all interiors. 
Plays a full evening. 

THF PROFTMSATF Play in Four Acts. Seven males, five 
1 11L. t IYV/I LilUA 1 £• females. Scenery, three interiors, rather 
•laborate ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

THE SCHOOLMISTRESS tt'i£S£. A %£SSgk 

ern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY IllMSX 

females. Costumes, modern; soenery, three interiors. Plays a 
full evening. 

^WFFT I AVFNTiFP Comedy in Three Acts. Seven males, 
iJTI £.£.1 14/lVfillUC.IV four females. Scene, a single interior, 
costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

THF THIINHFRRni T Comedy in Pour Acts. Ten males, 
IflEi inuni/dlVDULil nine females. Scenery, three interi- 
ors; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

THF TTMF^i Comedy in Pour Acts. Six males, seven females. 
1 11Aj * *"**-<»J Scene, a single interior ; costumes, modern. Plays 
a full evening. 

THF WFAlfFP QFY Comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, 
Illti TTLi/\IVE.iV 0£.A eight females. Costumes, modern; 
■cenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. 

A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE W,i£»£& 

Costumes, modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. 



Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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A^ YAH I IFF IT Comedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four 
A J IvU MAI* II females. CJostumes, picturesque ; scenery, va- 
ried. Plays a full evening. 

C AIWFI I F Drama in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. Cos- 
vAlHII«i«li tumes, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. 

INfiflMAR P^y in Five Acts. Thirteen males, three females. 
liiUvwl AIV Scenery varied ; costumes, Greek. Plays a full evening. 

MARY STUART Tragedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four fe- 
lll A IV I J I UAH 1 males, and supernumeraries. Costumes, of the 
period ; scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening. 

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE ZEX£££& SSSSS! 

picturesque ; scenery varied. Plays a full evening. 

IHCHFI IFII Pla, y in Five Acts - Pif teen males, two females. Scen- 
IU SsliLiLiiLiV ery elaborate ; costumes of the period. Plays a full 
evening. 

THF RIYAI S Comedy in Five Acts. Nine males, five females, 
l iiLt Al f al,j Scenery varied ; costumes of the period. Plays a 
full evening. 

SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER SSSUSSS^H^SSZ 

ried ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. 

TWELFTH NIGHT; OR, WHAT YOU WILL SSSLlSS: 

three females. Costumes, picturesque; scenery, varied. Plays a 
full evening. 



Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

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